VPN

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.

VPN

abbreviation

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of VPN¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

But his elder brother eventually found that he'd installed a VPN to use Character.ai and they discovered reams and reams of messages.

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Meanwhile, research by Cybernews counted more than 10.7 million downloads of VPN apps in the UK from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store across 2025.

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"After age checks kicked in, VPN apps jumped to the top of the UK App Store, and at least one provider saw a 1,800% surge in downloads," he said.

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Nigerians can watch Love Island using a VPN, which makes it appear as if they are in the US, and then access the app from broadcaster Peacock or, like Ms Olamiposi, view episodes posted on YouTube by anonymous users.

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As of Monday morning, half of the top ten free apps in Apple's app download charts in the UK appeared to be for VPN services.

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