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

Require multifactor authentication for all services, particularly for webmail, virtual private networks, and accounts that access critical systems. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

Require two-factor authentication for all services where possible, but in particular for webmail such as Gmail, Outlook and others, along with virtual private networks and any accounts that can access critical systems. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

What if users travel or use virtual private networks to hide their locations? —Clare Duffy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025

How exactly the ban would be implemented is uncertain, but content creators are using this time to educate other users about virtual private networks (VPN), which allow online users to mask their locations. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 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)