provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd 

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 legislature.

—Current Biography

3

: to take precautionary measures

… provide for the common defense …

—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms of provide

• give
• supply
• furnish
• deliver
• hand

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

Events such as the World Cup, Super Bowl and World Series are classed as Special Event Assessment Rating Level One (SEAR One), which means the Department of Homeland Security is mandated to provide security for them. — Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Members of the Purple City Genetics team teach passersby about the science and art of breeding marijuana, while providing advice to budding home growers and selling plant starts. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026

These flights have expanded the company’s test program, providing valuable experience across different operating environments. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

It’s formulated to brighten, protect the skin barrier, and provide antioxidant support, preventing free radical damage. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing provide

• provide against
• provide for

Rhymes for provide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids 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