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

Tony, 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

called also VPN

Examples of virtual private network in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To ensure that your connection is safe, use a virtual private network (VPN). —Ashok Manoharan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

TikTok users flock to popular Chinese app amid potential ban 04:20 5d ago / 6:02 AM PST Copied Share VPN apps surge on App Store Jason Abbruzzese Apps for virtual private networks — more commonly called VPNs — are surging in Apple's App Store. —Alexandra Marquez, NBC News, 19 Jan. 2025

Mask your IP address with a trusted VPN (virtual private network) service to secure your online activity. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025

Users try VPNs Cyber experts are predicting many users could attempt to use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide their IP address and access the app. —Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

virtual private network

noun

: a private computer network that functions over a public network (as the Internet) and usually uses data encryption to provide secure access to something (as an internal business server)