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

Most American traders who use Polymarket access the site through a virtual private network, which shields a user's identity and location. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026

Many people still have access to the internet, thanks to virtual private networks, despite a widespread blackout. —Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026

Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026

Lake also cut funding for another agency, the Open Technology Fund, dedicated to providing virtual private networks and satellite access to Iranians, among others. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for virtual private network

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

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)