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
Dobbins, just signed last month, got a one-year deal to come in, be a veteran presence in the room and provide juice both in the running game and as a pass protector.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Feedback from countless measures provided the intelligence to refine and invent, not just correct and adjust.
—Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Make sure to water in your tree after planting, and then provide regular water for its first year, especially during droughts.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Foster's husband's employer provides a dependent care flexible spending account for working parents.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Feedback from countless measures provided the intelligence to refine and invent, not just correct and adjust.
—Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Make sure to water in your tree after planting, and then provide regular water for its first year, especially during droughts.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Foster's husband's employer provides a dependent care flexible spending account for working parents.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 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 18 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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