provided; providing
1
a
: to supply or make available (something wanted or needed)
provided new uniforms for the band
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
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
Current Biography3
: to take precautionary measures
… provide for the common defense …—U.S. Constitution
U.S. ConstitutionExamples 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
In his State of the Union Address on Tuesday night, the President urged lawmakers to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America, Act, a bill that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship and photo identification to cast ballots in all 50 states, among other changes.
—Connor Greene, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
In an email shared with students and staff, the university's acting president, Claire Shipman, said the university was in the process of reaching out to the student's family and providing legal support.
—Jake Offenhartz The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
Suarez, the 39-year-old Uruguayan legend, provided a perfect pass to 19-year-old Santi Morales, who made a nice finish to give Miami the lead at the 16-minute mark.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
The federal lawmakers called on DHS to provide more information on the basis of arresting and deporting DACA recipients.
—Mathew Miranda
february 26, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Connor Greene, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
In an email shared with students and staff, the university's acting president, Claire Shipman, said the university was in the process of reaching out to the student's family and providing legal support.
—Jake Offenhartz The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
Suarez, the 39-year-old Uruguayan legend, provided a perfect pass to 19-year-old Santi Morales, who made a nice finish to give Miami the lead at the 16-minute mark.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
The federal lawmakers called on DHS to provide more information on the basis of arresting and deporting DACA recipients.
—Mathew Miranda
february 26, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provide
verb
pro·vide
prə-ˈvīd 
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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