supply

verb

sup·ply | \sə-ˈplī

supplied; supplying

Definition of supply

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to add as a supplement

2 [ Middle French souploier, alteration of soupplier ]

a : to provide for : satisfy laws by which the material wants of men are supplied — Bulletin of Bates College

b : to make available for use : provide supplied the necessary funds

c : to satisfy the needs or wishes of

d : to furnish (organs, tissues, or cells) with a vital element (such as blood or nerve fibers)

3 : to substitute for another in specifically : to serve as a supply in (a church or pulpit)

intransitive verb

: to serve as a supply or substitute

supply

noun

plural supplies

Definition of supply (Entry 2 of 2)

1 obsolete : assistance, succor

2a obsolete : reinforcements —often used in plural

b : a member of the clergy filling a vacant pulpit temporarily

c : the quantity or amount (as of a commodity) needed or available beer was in short supply in that hot weather— Nevil Shute

d : provisions, stores —usually used in plural

3 : the act or process of filling a want or need engaged in the supply of raw materials to industry

4 : the quantities of goods or services offered for sale at a particular time or at one price

5 : something that maintains or constitutes a supply

Other Words from supply Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about supply

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Examples of supply in a Sentence

Verb

The company supplied the necessary money. You'll have to supply your own food.

Noun

adequate supplies of fresh water He bought a month's supply of cigarettes. They took a month's worth of supplies on the camping trip. The town is in need of basic medical supplies. a store that sells art supplies The state is trying to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs. The storm interrupted the town's electricity supply.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

School District 300 is currently well supplied to meet its needs, transportation officials said. — Rafael Guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin-area school districts still looking for bus drivers but don't expect start-of-school problems," 12 July 2018 Newton had a match-winning performance, minus his teammates supplying the requisite goal. — Scott Winfield, Cincinnati.com, "ICYMI: FC Cincinnati ties soon-to-be MLS rival, three Cincinnati Reds named MLB All-Stars," 9 July 2018 While rescue plans are being reconsidered, efforts are now being focused on supplying the boys with a regular supply of oxygen and fiber optic cables, to allow the boys to contact their families for the first time in almost two weeks. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Ex-SEAL Diver Dies in Thai Cave Rescue Attempt," 6 July 2018 Zion National Park’s trail to Emerald Pools was closed for seven years until last July, when a private grant of $1 million from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation supplied the funds to open the pathway, hopefully by the end of 2019. — J. Weston Phippen, Outside Online, "The Terrible State of Our National Parks—in Photos," 5 July 2018 Organizers had purchased most of the supplies from Amrein Foods, of Joppa, which also supplies the concession stands, but local businesses also donated food and resources. — David Anderson, The Aegis, "Family entertainment abounds in Bel Air on July 4," 4 July 2018 According to The Sun royal reporter Emily Andrews, Buckingham Palace revealed the earrings were a from Queen Elizabeth, contradicting earlier reports that stated Birks supplied the pearl earrings. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Wore a Gorgeous Gift from the Queen for Their First Royal Event Together," 14 June 2018 For example: The Health and Morals of Apprentices Act of 1802, informally known as the Factory Act of 1802, required that mill buildings supply adequate ventilation. — Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, "The Unbearable Awkwardness of Automation," 13 June 2018 Not only is Weighting Comforts supplying a quality product for those in need, the brand also provides an opportunity for refugee women to make a living using a valuable skill. — Southern Living, "This Southern Company Combats Anxiety & Champions Refugee Women," 7 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

At stores with PetsHotel facilities, dogs can get a free 4-ounce serving of dog-safe ice cream Saturday and Sunday, while supplies last. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, "What's the scoop? See the deals Sunday for National Ice Cream Day," 13 July 2018 The safety kits include a cable-style gun lock and will be distributed, while supplies last, at the precinct, located at 1302 Preston, and during community outreach events, according to the release. — Victoria Cheyne, Houston Chronicle, "Free firearm safety kits to be distributed," 12 July 2018 Everyone who enters can take a free can koozie or chip clip while supplies last. — Louisville Courier Journal, The Courier-Journal, "The Courier Journal has exclusive sets, giveaways & more at Forecastle," 11 July 2018 Privacy - Terms The free drink is available at participating stores while supplies last. — Daniel Wilson, sacbee, "It’s 7-Eleven Day and that means free Slurpees, $1 hot dogs," 11 July 2018 Extra t-shirts are available for $5 while supplies last. — Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star, "31 ways to actually celebrate the Fourth of July on July 4th," 2 July 2018 To further the celebration, many shops will open beginning at midnight to serve Chocolate Glaze Doughnuts for all 24 hours of World Chocolate Day, while supplies last. — Melissa Reinert, Cincinnati.com, "This week in junk food: A 'cheezy' return, a twist on fries, and spiced up chips," 29 June 2018 Prices start at $169, and all items in the collection are available while supplies last. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Don't Miss Brooklinen's July 4th Sale," 29 June 2018 Sephora will offer a selection of deals up to 50% off while supplies last until 7/4. — Health Editors, Health.com, "The Fourth of July Sales That Are Actually Worth Shopping," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'supply.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

6 Oct 2018

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The first known use of supply was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for supply

supply

verb

English Language Learners Definition of supply

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to make (something) available to be used : to provide someone or something with (something that is needed or wanted)

supply

noun

English Language Learners Definition of supply (Entry 2 of 2)

: the amount of something that is available to be used

supplies : things (such as food, equipment, fuel, etc.) that are needed for a particular purpose and that will be used by a particular person or group

: the process or system by which something is provided to a person, place, etc.

See the full definition for supply in the English Language Learners Dictionary

supply

verb

sup·ply | \sə-ˈplī

supplied; supplying

Kids Definition of supply

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to provide for : satisfy There is enough to supply the demand.

2 : to make available : furnish The tree supplies shade.

supply

noun

plural supplies

Kids Definition of supply (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the amount of something that is needed or can be gotten medical supplies

2 : store entry 2 sense 3 I keep a supply of pencils in my desk.

3 : the act or process of providing something The company is engaged in the supply of raw materials.

supply

transitive verb

sup·ply | \sə-ˈplī

supplied; supplying

Medical Definition of supply

: to furnish (organs, tissues, or cells) with a vital element (as blood or nerve fibers) —used of nerves and blood vessels the mandibular foramen transmits blood vessels and nerves supplying the lower teeth