provide

verb pro·vide \ prə-ˈvīd \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Examples: provide in a Sentence

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

In between the walks, the vets fly to the different destinations while the 10-12 person support team — crucial in providing all-important water — drives in a caravan.

— melissa fletcher stoeltje, San Antonio Express-News, "Walking the walk for veterans’ mental health," 16 June 2018
My still optimistic side sees nature’s resiliency and a more user and fish friendly approach as a path to providing current and future residents with endless hours of recreation utilizing an existing and sustainable resource.

— Houston Chronicle, "Letters to the Editor: June 20, 2018," 16 June 2018
The match finished with a resounding 7-5 loss, unfortunately in favour of the Austrian's - but the Swiss stars at least went out by providing entertainment galore for the home fans.

— SI.com, "World Cup Preview: Brazil vs Switzerland - Recent Form, Team News, Predictions & More," 16 June 2018
The national touring company was beaten to the punch last weekend by a local troupe devoted to providing performance opportunities for adults with disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

— kerry lengel, azcentral, "How Detour Company Theatre beat Gammage to the punch with 'School of Rock'," 15 June 2018
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana sought the stop at 64th and Broadway and is assisting in providing signage.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "Gary Public Transit Corp.'s Lakeshore South bus line returns Monday," 15 June 2018
According to The New York Times, Trump attempted to assuage some of FIFA's concerns by providing bid leaders with letters addressed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

— tom schad, USA TODAY, "Donald Trump touts his efforts in successful World Cup bid, thanks Robert Kraft for advice," 15 June 2018
But Washington expressed reservations about the Hodeidah operation and rejected a request from the coalitionto assist the offensive by providing drone surveillance, minesweepers and moreintelligence.

— dion nissenbaum, WSJ, "Saudi Coalition Enters a Key Airport in Yemen," 15 June 2018
Oftentimes public restrooms are vandalized, and the city has to strike a balance with providing that space.

— amy bartner, Indianapolis Star, "Downtown Canal group not thrilled with ‘plastic-y’ park, destruction of trees," 14 June 2018

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

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

provide Synonyms

PROVIDE Defined for English Language Learners

provide

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