provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd 

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 legislature.

—Current Biography

3

: to take precautionary measures

… provide for the common defense …

—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms of provide

• give
• supply
• furnish
• deliver
• hand

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

Police said Reyes did not provide any form of identification, and attempts to identify him were unsuccessful. — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA) provides free, confidential 24/7 support via phone, text, and chat in English and Spanish. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

The fatty fish in my diet provides DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fat especially concentrated in the brain and retina. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

According to the Army Research Laboratory, the technology could eventually contribute to on-site fuel generation or provide early warning of chemical warfare agents. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

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 transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing provide

• provide against
• provide for

Rhymes for provide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids 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