plural VPNs
: a private computer network that functions over a public network : virtual private network
As more employees connect to their office networks from home, they expose the company to attack. A VPN lets companies use the Internet as a secure pathway into their existing network.Michael Bertin
VPNs help cloak your browsing information from your internet provider. When you use VPN software, your device connects to a VPN provider's servers. That way, all your web traffic passes through the VPN provider's internet connection.Brian X. Chen

Examples of VPN in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The platforms are now only available to Russians via VPN. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2023 Note that at the three- and five-device tiers, an extra $20 per year gets you the Malwarebytes Privacy VPN. PCMAG, 13 Sep. 2023 Endpoint protection everywhere Having a virtual private network (VPN) is another important security solution for business leaders. Chintan Patel, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2023 Some of the most popular ones include WireGuard VPN, OpenVPN and SoftEther. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2023 Norton 360 is a collection of privacy management tools, including a VPN, antivirus, and dark web monitor. Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 14 Aug. 2023 And that off-the-shelf technology can be used to siphon personal data, login details and other key information from devices, web browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and popular applications such as VPN, Grobman said. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 26 July 2023 Users can connect up to 30 devices across a 3,500-square-foot range, set up a personal cloud storage service and VPN, or even control your Wi-Fi connection via Amazon Alexa voice control. & Karl Klockars, PCMAG, 11 July 2023 Apple TVs will get native VPN app support in tvOS 17, according to an Apple press release (via 9to5Mac). Wes Davis, The Verge, 10 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'VPN.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of VPN was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near VPN

Cite this Entry

“VPN.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/VPN. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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