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 Trending on Billboard The company’s fourth annual Loud & Clear report provides an update on the company’s goal of allowing 1 million creators the opportunity to make a living from their art, a statement that goes back to CEO Daniel Ek at the company’s 2017 investor day presentation. Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2024 Opaque glass in the oversized eight-pane sash windows provides privacy. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 There are currently 14 states with total bans against the procedure while nearly every other state has seen an increase in the number of abortions provided from 2020 to 2023. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 Visit The Swinging Bridge A local landmark in its own right, the Swinging Bridge provides a little small-town thrill for those brave enough to walk across the rickety slats. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024 Their 1968 constitution provides the island with formal responsibility for internal self-government, while the British Government retains responsibility for external affairs, defense, and security. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 The package is expected to provide about $886 billion for the Pentagon. Kevin Freking, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune historical photos are provided by the San Diego History Center. U-T Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 After months without new U.S. donations, officials last week announced that the Pentagon will provide Ukraine a new arms shipment worth $300 million made possible by unforeseen contract savings. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 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 28 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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