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
The agricultural industry in the valley contributes roughly $1 billion annually to the economy and provides roughly 8,400 full-time jobs, The Center Square reported.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
Rangers from Monte Leon National Park provided logistical support for the research to be conducted, Donadio said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2025
The location is an important character as well, with the crumbling building itself providing a striking arena for the low-key drama.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
According to data provided by Weiss, one-third of claims in California took at least 60 days to be paid.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
Rangers from Monte Leon National Park provided logistical support for the research to be conducted, Donadio said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2025
The location is an important character as well, with the crumbling building itself providing a striking arena for the low-key drama.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
According to data provided by Weiss, one-third of claims in California took at least 60 days to be paid.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share