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
Throughout the years-long investigation, Cherfilus-McCormick declined interview requests from the committee and provided little to no defense against the committee’s allegations.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Some declined to provide their full names, citing safety concerns.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Advocate’s drones will also transport specimens between hospitals in its markets, providing faster results for patients, according to Advocate.
—Chase Jordan
march 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Recordings of the three men being interrogated provide the basis for flashbacks, and scenes set in Tehran’s artistic beau monde of the late sixties show the aftermath of their adventures.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Some declined to provide their full names, citing safety concerns.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Advocate’s drones will also transport specimens between hospitals in its markets, providing faster results for patients, according to Advocate.
—Chase Jordan
march 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Recordings of the three men being interrogated provide the basis for flashbacks, and scenes set in Tehran’s artistic beau monde of the late sixties show the aftermath of their adventures.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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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