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
Market data provided by Factset.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Hegseth provided a classified briefing for congressional leaders alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top national security officials.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Dec. 2025
The curriculum is aimed at providing participants with a deeper, working knowledge of the business, from foundational principles to practical application.
—Peony Hirwani, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025
The Shops offer exclusive custom collections and pieces inspired by UMG’s artists, songwriters and labels, and also provide fans with dedicated locations for exclusive experiences.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Hegseth provided a classified briefing for congressional leaders alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top national security officials.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Dec. 2025
The curriculum is aimed at providing participants with a deeper, working knowledge of the business, from foundational principles to practical application.
—Peony Hirwani, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025
The Shops offer exclusive custom collections and pieces inspired by UMG’s artists, songwriters and labels, and also provide fans with dedicated locations for exclusive experiences.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 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 12 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
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