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
Three people also died during storm preparations, but the government has not provided a death toll since the hurricane battered the island on Tuesday.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
These clogs feature an adjustable buckle and a contoured footbed to provide all-day comfort.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office announced the news and said that no additional details would be provided, and Barry's lawyer would only say that the money to secure his client's bond came from his friends and supporters.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
The 1949 Abducted Persons (Recovery and Restoration) Act provides the framework by which Lajo’s husband and brother return from India to get her; under that edict, India and Pakistan agreed to exchange abducted women.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
These clogs feature an adjustable buckle and a contoured footbed to provide all-day comfort.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office announced the news and said that no additional details would be provided, and Barry's lawyer would only say that the money to secure his client's bond came from his friends and supporters.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
The 1949 Abducted Persons (Recovery and Restoration) Act provides the framework by which Lajo’s husband and brother return from India to get her; under that edict, India and Pakistan agreed to exchange abducted women.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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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