virtual private network
noun
plural virtual private networks
: a private computer network that functions over a public network (such as the Internet) and usually utilizes data encryption to provide secure access to something (such as an internal business server or private network)
He persuaded its users to communicate through a virtual private network, or VPN, a secure channel that sends encrypted messages between computers …—
James Verini
James VeriniTony, like all savvy Internet thieves, uses a virtual private network that masks his computer's true Internet Protocol address every time he logs on.—Joe Light
Joe Lightcalled also VPN
Examples of virtual private network in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Competing justifications and tech realities Governments around the world continue to wrestle with the proliferation of strong encryption in messaging tools, social media and virtual private networks.
—Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
Users who are able to use a virtual private network (VPN) to change their local IP address, however, may have a good chance of getting around the ban by rerouting their connection through another country.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
As online privacy concerns grow, the need for reliable virtual private networks (VPNs) has become critical for businesses and everyday users.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 5 May 2025
They were all connected to the same virtual private network (VPN) used in one or more of the cyber incidents, according to the complaint.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual private network
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
Users who are able to use a virtual private network (VPN) to change their local IP address, however, may have a good chance of getting around the ban by rerouting their connection through another country.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
As online privacy concerns grow, the need for reliable virtual private networks (VPNs) has become critical for businesses and everyday users.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 5 May 2025
They were all connected to the same virtual private network (VPN) used in one or more of the cyber incidents, according to the complaint.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual private network
Cite this Entry
“Virtual private network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20private%20network. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share