provide

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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
2a : to supply or make available (something wanted or needed) provided new uniforms for the band; also : afford curtains provide privacyb : 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 this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, a South Korean navy ship fires a missile during a drill in South Korea’s East Sea, Thursday, July 6, 2017.

— Washington Post, "S. Korea fires missiles in drills amid standoff with North", 6 July 2017
Complimentary food provided by Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Everything you need to know about Sloss Fest", 6 July 2017
Enquirer media partner Fox 19 provided this report.

— fox 19, Cincinnati.com, "Pike Co. Sheriff: 16 charged in gang-related drug ring", 6 July 2017
Leaving the city in other directions or heading into the mountains can provide access to some of the cleanest air around.

— vann r. newkirk ii, The Atlantic, "How to Beat Asthma", 5 July 2017
But if researchers do demonstrate the effect in humans, temporarily suppressing the sense of smell could provide a new way to fight obesity.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Mice shed weight when they can’t smell—but not because they stop eating", 5 July 2017
The cool breeze is a wonderful alternative to those hot summer months and the crunch of leaves beneath the bride and groom's feet provide an irreplaceable soundtrack to the soirée.

— jenna milliner-waddell, ELLE Decor, "30 Gorgeous Fall Wedding Colors For An Unforgettable Day", 5 July 2017
Doctors shouldn’t be deterred from prescribing these drugs when medically indicated, the study said, but only long enough to provide benefits that outweighs the risks.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Popular stomach acid blockers linked to higher death rates", 3 July 2017
That’s the equivalent in today’s dollars of more than the U.S.-funded Marshall Plan provided to all of western Europe after World War II. ‘

— marek strzelecki, Bloomberg.com, "Kaczynski Recalls Nazis in Declaring Poland's Right to EU Funds", 2 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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

PROVIDE Defined for English Language Learners

provide

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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

PROVIDE Defined for Kids

provide

play

verb pro·vide \prə-ˈvīd\

Definition of provide for Students

provided

;

providing

1 : to give something that is needed Volunteers provide meals for the poor.
2 : to supply something : supply (someone) with something The room provides a view of the city. I can't provide you with the answer.
3 : to make as a condition The rules provide that all players must practice.