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

But some U.S.-based traders have found workarounds, like using a virtual private network, or VPN, which can obscure a user’s location.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

But some U.S.-based traders have found workarounds, like using a virtual private network, or VPN, which can obscure a user’s location.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Department of Justice, Van Dyke used a virtual private network, or VPN, to make it look to Polymarket like he was logging onto the site from a foreign country.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Vivid Seats and other platforms restrict sales in the UK, but British customers can often get around that by using a VPN service.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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