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
With elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, the varied topography of the forest provides a vast playground suited for every season.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
While Ron provided depth for the Celtics, Dylan quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Spurs, helping lead the franchise to the 2026 NBA Finals less than a year after being drafted.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Many will be surprised to learn that their coverage is contingent on documentation that could prove difficult and administratively burdensome to provide.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Unable to store new memories, Leonard develops an elaborate system of documentation involving photographs and tattoos to provide connective tissue to his future self.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
While Ron provided depth for the Celtics, Dylan quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Spurs, helping lead the franchise to the 2026 NBA Finals less than a year after being drafted.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Many will be surprised to learn that their coverage is contingent on documentation that could prove difficult and administratively burdensome to provide.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Unable to store new memories, Leonard develops an elaborate system of documentation involving photographs and tattoos to provide connective tissue to his future self.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 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 10 Jun. 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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