supervise

verb

su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz How to pronounce supervise (audio)
supervised; supervising

transitive verb

: to be in charge of : superintend, oversee
supervise a large staff
supervised the ship's daily operations

Examples of supervise in a Sentence

The builder supervised the construction of the house. She supervises a staff of 30 workers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All of it is medically supervised and adjusted throughout the stay. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Each student had a spiritual director, and Prevost chose Sister Lyn Osiek, who also supervised his theological-reflection class. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025 Among those dismissed were two attorneys who supervised the Jan. 6 prosecutions in Washington and a line attorney who prosecuted cases originating from the Capitol riot. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025 To capture the sounds of the cars, supervising sound editor Al Nelson says production sound mixer Gareth John began by strategically placing mics in Formula 2 cars that Pitt and Idris were driving. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for supervise

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre, from Latin super- + vidēre to see — more at wit

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supervise was circa 1645

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supervise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supervise. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

supervise

verb
su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz How to pronounce supervise (audio)
supervised; supervising
Etymology

from Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre "to oversee," from super- "over, above" and vidēre "to see" — related to vision

More from Merriam-Webster on supervise

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