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

Various strategies for staying on TikTok are available to tech-savvy users, including using a VPN (virtual private network) or changing the phone location to fool the app stores. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

The internet slowdowns appeared to particularly affect services like virtual private networks used to access foreign sites. —Kevin Collier, NBC news, 17 June 2025

These include virtual private network appliances as well as web and email servers. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Has Western culture made it to Iran? Iranians can download or stream U.S. and European movies, music and media by accessing virtual private networks, or VPNs. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 June 2025

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)