provide

verb

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

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 legislature—Current Biography
3
: to take precautionary measures
provide for the common defense—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 Popular on Variety The prosecutor provided a summary of the calls, in which Gutierrez Reed spoke with her mother, her boyfriend and a defense paralegal. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Apr. 2024 The nonprofit garden club provides scholarships for local colleges. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for provide 

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

Phrases Containing provide

Dictionary Entries Near provide

pro-vice-chancellor

provide

provide against

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on provide

Nglish: Translation of provide for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of provide for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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