provide

play

verb pro·vide \ prə-ˈvīd \

Definition of provide

provided; providing

intransitive verb

1 :to take precautionary measures

provide for the common defense
—U.S. Constitution

2 :to make a proviso or stipulation

the Constitution … provides for an elected two-chamber legislature
—Current Biography

3 :to make preparation to meet a need

provide for entertainment

; especially :to supply something for sustenance or support

provides for the poor

transitive verb

1 archaic :to prepare in advance

2 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

3 :to have as a condition :stipulate

the contract provides that certain deadlines will be met

See provide defined for English-language learners

See provide defined for kids

Examples of provide in a Sentence

The Web site 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 Web site 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 of provide from the Web

The first task facing governments is to provide investors, both local and foreign, with a reasonable degree of policy certainty.

— The Economist, "Latin America’s disappointing economic growth," 20 July 2017
The route runs from 5:33 a.m. to 8:42 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to a route guide provided by Andrews.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Harford Transit's Silver Line helps connect residents with jobs in Perryman, Riverside," 20 July 2017
The outcome of the talks will likely provide a sense of the direction relations will take as President Donald Trump seeks to deliver on promises to reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

— elaine kurtenbach, The Seattle Times, "World shares mixed as central banks, China-US talks in focus," 19 July 2017
The Savernake Forest and West Woods, managed by the Forestry Commission and replanted in the 1930s to 1950s with beech trees, provide one of the most spectacular sites in Britain for seeing bluebells in the spring. #

— alan taylor, The Atlantic, "A Walk In The Woods: A Photo Appreciation of Trees," 19 July 2017
A small hill provides just enough excitement for participants and spectators.

— cheryl petzel, Daily Southtown, "Cubmobile race packs 'em in in Oak Lawn," 19 July 2017
In May, Lake Station contracted with Kurtz Ambulance, based in New Lenox, Ill., to provide service after Prompt Ambulance ended its contract.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "Lake Station buys used ambulance from Zionsville," 18 July 2017
In the third place, entertainment is provided by the people themselves.

— jessica brown, Longreads, "Searching London for My ‘Third Place’," 18 July 2017
When a chain seemed to come loose on a part of the robot that moves up and down, a competition judge recommended a larger part, and another team provided one.

— Bloomberg.com, "Afghan Girls Robotics Team Competes After Visa Obstacles," 17 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of provide

Middle English, from Latin providēre, literally, to see ahead, from pro- forward + vidēre to see — more at pro-, wit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

provide Synonyms

Synonyms

deliver, feed, give, hand, hand over, furnish, supply

Antonyms

hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold

Related Words

ply (with); administer, allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate; assign, cede, deed, make over, transfer

Near Antonyms

conserve, keep up, maintain, preserve, save

PROVIDE Defined for English Language Learners

provide

play

verb

Definition of provide for English Language Learners

: to make (something) available : to supply (something that is wanted or needed)
: to give something wanted or needed to (someone or something) : to supply (someone or something) with something
: to say that something will or should happen : to make it certain or possible that something will happen or be done