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

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

The apps are all virtual private networks, or VPNs, which allow a user to divert their internet traffic through a company’s internet connection. —Kevin Collier, NBC news, 12 June 2025

That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in. —PC Magazine, 3 June 2025

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

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)