VPN

American  

Computers.

1. virtual private network: a system or technology that uses a public network, usually the internet, to transmit encrypted data between a private network and a remote authorized user.

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VPN British  

abbreviation

1. virtual private network: a network that uses the internet to transfer information using secure methods

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Etymology

Origin of VPN

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Having been around since 2009, ExpressVPN is a well-established player in the VPN space that has earned itself an excellent reputation for privacy and security.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

The main difference between the plans is the number of extra goodies you get alongside the VPN service.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

But, a good VPN provider will manage to keep that slowdown to a minimum — and that’s precisely what ExpressVPN has done.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

The encryption and decryption that happens when connected to a VPN has a cost and the currency is speed.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

This VPN allows us to share the feed from the microphone, images from the session, the real-time script, and all the animation designs amongst all the locations with a simple log-in.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman