purvey

verb

pur·​vey (ˌ)pər-ˈvā 

ˈpər-ˌvā

purveyed; purveying

transitive verb

1

: to supply (something, such as provisions) usually as a matter of business

2

: peddle sense 2

Examples of purvey in a Sentence

a shop purveying handmade merchandise

Recent Examples on the Web

New York is a realm of fantasy and myth, obsession and resentment, fear and bewilderment for many who’ve never set foot in it; and many who live here also purvey and perpetuate some version of the imaginary city. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025

Red Hog is a butcher shop that also purveys terrific sandwiches, soups and charcuterie. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Hao overcame the limitations of his background to find a partner – although his wife remains deeply skeptical of the dating tips Hao purveys to his clients. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025

The president of Ukraine has survived physically yet now must deal with a revisionist version of events purveyed by a White House that just over a month ago was his steadfast backer. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purveien, from Anglo-French purveier, purveer to look at, foresee, provide, from Latin providēre to provide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for purvey

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

purvey

verb

pur·​vey (ˌ)pər-ˈvā 

ˈpər-ˌvā

purveyed; purveying

: to supply usually as a business

purveyance

-ən(t)s

noun

purveyor

-ər

noun