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

VPN users in Russia still seem able to circumvent the ban.

From Barron's

Both WhatsApp and Telegram appeared to still be available via VPN connections in Russia on Thursday.

From Barron's

They argued for funding both Starlink and VPNs, but warned against curbing VPN funds.

From The Wall Street Journal

State Department officials also estimate that around 20% of Iranians were still able to get limited internet access with U.S.-funded VPN services during the 12-day war in June 2025, when the Iranian government issued a nearly full-scale internet blackout following U.S. and Israeli strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some VPN companies dependent on U.S. funding said they are struggling to provide their service to Iranians, among others.

From The Wall Street Journal