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
Diggins provided the type of over-the-top service that Cardoso sought for most of her WNBA career, setting the young center up for 22 points on 15 shots.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Kehmeier and Friends of the Skyway co-founder Bill Hanley hope to assemble a busking team to host skyway-level performances, provided City Hall works with them on permitting.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 10 May 2026
The shoes also have a meshy upper fabric that’s intended to provide airflow to keep your feet cool, even in the summer heat, along with grooves on the outsole for flexibility.
—Natalie Labarbera, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Living in an area that historically did not have high tick activity or having an indoor-only pet does not provide innate protection against disease.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Kehmeier and Friends of the Skyway co-founder Bill Hanley hope to assemble a busking team to host skyway-level performances, provided City Hall works with them on permitting.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 10 May 2026
The shoes also have a meshy upper fabric that’s intended to provide airflow to keep your feet cool, even in the summer heat, along with grooves on the outsole for flexibility.
—Natalie Labarbera, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Living in an area that historically did not have high tick activity or having an indoor-only pet does not provide innate protection against disease.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 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 11 May. 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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