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
Made with a titanium barrel, these curling irons heat the hair from within, ensuring minimal damage while providing a long-lasting hold.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
As of this writing, NASA has not provided any details on when and where the reports will be available again or if the new assessment will proceed.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025
The Professional Services Provider IT leaders now provide advisory and consulting services, guiding business units through digital adoption, AI integration and process transformation.
—Maria Raymond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Following community uproar, Gastonia will open a portion of the former Salvation Army building on Tuesday to provide the community with an indoor cooling station, Mayor Richard Franks said.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
As of this writing, NASA has not provided any details on when and where the reports will be available again or if the new assessment will proceed.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025
The Professional Services Provider IT leaders now provide advisory and consulting services, guiding business units through digital adoption, AI integration and process transformation.
—Maria Raymond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Following community uproar, Gastonia will open a portion of the former Salvation Army building on Tuesday to provide the community with an indoor cooling station, Mayor Richard Franks said.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 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 5 Jul. 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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