provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing

transitive verb

1
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
2
: to have as a condition : stipulate
the contract provides that certain deadlines will be met
3
archaic : to prepare in advance

intransitive verb

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 legislatureCurrent Biography
3
: to take precautionary measures
provide for the common defenseU.S. Constitution

Examples 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Crucially, aid will be provided to restore functions to hospitals and bakeries in the territory. Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 In times of emergency or hardship, the Team Member Assistance Fund provides financial relief. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025 As clients look for more agility, authenticity and accountability, Barbut said Rimaks is well-positioned to provide fast, flexible prototyping with low MOQs and short lead times. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025 The technology is claimed to be scalable technology has universal applications across the mobility, infrastructure, commercial, and consumer sectors, which Genuine H2 believes will provide a ‘right now’ solution to the climate and energy crisis. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provide

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin providēre, literally, to see ahead, from pro- forward + vidēre to see — more at pro-, wit

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of provide was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

provide

verb
pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
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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