proxy server

American

[prok-see sur-ver] / ˈprɒk si ˌsɜr vər /

noun

Computers.

a server that receives requests, filters them, and forwards them to a network on behalf of another computer or network which it represents under a surrogate IP address: used to provide anonymity or increased security or to carry out intermediate processing.

proxy server British

noun

computing a computer that acts as an intermediary between a client machine and a server, caching information to save access time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of proxy server

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like with a VPN, when using a proxy server, you’re bouncing your connection over a remote server before sending it to its final destination.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

A proxy server is an intermediary between users and web services and acts as a web filter that allow netizens to circumvent restrictions and censorship.

From Reuters • Jan. 5, 2023

I’m using a proxy server that a friend, who’s been using it for work, just opened up for the rest of us in a Telegram tech group.

From The Verge • Apr. 17, 2018

Most users don’t employ a proxy server, so if you see the browser is configured for one, try removing it.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2016

Rather than directly accessing the original Web page in its original language, users can instead indirectly access the page via a proxy server offering translation features.

From Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Ruling by United States District Court For The Eastern District Of Pennsylvania

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023