provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing

transitive verb

1
a
: to supply or make available (something wanted or needed)
provided new uniforms for the band
also : afford
curtains provide privacy
b
: to make something available to
provide the children with free balloons
2
: to have as a condition : stipulate
the contract provides that certain deadlines will be met
3
archaic : to prepare in advance

intransitive verb

1
: to make preparation to meet a need
provide for entertainment
especially : to supply something for sustenance or support
provides for the poor
2
: to make a proviso or stipulation
the Constitution … provides for an elected two-chamber legislatureCurrent Biography
3
: to take precautionary measures
provide for the common defenseU.S. Constitution

Examples of provide in a Sentence

The website provides information about local activities. The curtains on the windows provide privacy. The school provided new uniforms for the band. The goal is to provide health care to as many people as possible. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at the meeting. The website provides users with information about local activities. The school provided the band with new uniforms. The store provides its customers with excellent service. Workers were provided with gloves for protection. The contract provides that certain deadlines will be met.
Recent Examples on the Web Giving professional players the opportunity to be in the spotlight and advance their careers while providing an entertaining time is another aspect that Leroux and Sullivan enjoy about their venture. Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 Entertainment was provided by an old television carted out from Branden’s engineering lab along with the extension cords required to reach an outdoor electrical outlet some 50 yards away. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Duties include providing extensive guidance to staff, advising department heads and represent the agency on infectious disease prevention. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 Whether the new mixture of talent and tone provides enough rationale for Netflix to invest its relatively new money is debatable for a show whose appeal, beyond the general atmosphere, mostly boils down to smoke and mirrors. Brian Lowry, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Ukrainian officials have said Starlink gives troops an essential upper hand, providing a reliable internet connection that allows soldiers to respond to group text messages, stream drone feeds of enemy forces and coordinate artillery strikes. Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 As daylight saving time provides a little more daylight into the evenings starting this weekend, metro Detroit offers an array of activities to welcome the changing season. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 That, according to the police department, would allow the department to respond to simultaneous calls for service and provide proactive police services. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Along with acting as a litmus test for Haley’s ability to round up support in her home state, South Carolina’s primary will set the stage going into Super Tuesday and provide a burst of momentum to the winning campaign. Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'provide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin providēre, literally, to see ahead, from pro- forward + vidēre to see — more at pro-, wit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of provide was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near provide

Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

provide

verb
pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing
1
: to take care of beforehand
provide against a possible scarcity
2
: to state a condition or stipulation
the contract provided for 10 paid holidays
3
: to supply what is needed for support
provides for a large family
4
: to supply or furnish for use
cows provide milk
provider noun
Etymology

Middle English providen "to provide," from Latin providēre, literally, "to see ahead," from pro- "ahead, forward" and vidēre "to see" — related to vision

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