provide

verb pro·vide \ prə-ˈvīd \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

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

Lawmakers approved the 2013 provision after a billionaire owner of a lead producer contributed $750,000 to Wisconsin Club for Growth, a political group that provided crucial support to Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans in recall elections.

— daniel bice, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Paint industry accused of trying to create diversion over lead poisoning in Milwaukee," 9 Apr. 2018
In addition to Washington state, the governors of five states (Vermont, Hawaii, Montana, New Jersey, and New York) issued executive orders to impose net neutrality rules on ISPs that provide Internet service to state government agencies.

— jon brodkin, Ars Technica, "Oregon finalizes net neutrality law despite likelihood that ISPs will sue," 9 Apr. 2018
But other lawmakers are concerned that allowing a commercial casino in the state would jeopardize the decades-old compacts with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes that provide the state with slot machine revenues.

— christopher keating, courant.com, "Tolls, Marijuana, Gambling And Budget Remain On General Assembly's Agenda," 8 Apr. 2018
The plan by Councilwoman Desley Brooks would benefit a group of community organizations that provide vocational training to Oakland residents.

— kimberly veklerov, San Francisco Chronicle, "Oakland councilwoman renews bid to divert funds to private job centers," 8 Apr. 2018
Its members invest hundreds of dollars in specialized stiff uniforms and shoes that provide stability and support for spending hours standing, kneeling or lying prone to fire at targets down range.

— Washington Post, "Advocates: School gun clubs teach discipline, not violence," 8 Apr. 2018
The Pelicans responded, though, and grabbed a win that could provide some confidence if these teams were to meet in the first round of the playoffs.

— william guillory, NOLA.com, "Warriors blame late turnovers against Pelicans on 'trying too hard'," 8 Apr. 2018
The bride’s father is the founder of Mobilium Global Limited, a mobile technology consultant based in London that provides insight and strategy to companies worldwide in mobile and connected device strategies.

— New York Times, "Delaney Simon, Graeme Smith," 8 Apr. 2018
Proceeds from the event benefits Hand In Paw, a organization that provides animal assisted therapy.

— joe songer, AL.com, "Awesome dogs and owners we saw at Mutt Strut 2018," 7 Apr. 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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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