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
Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
However, such information will not be posted or published by us, nor sold, rented or provided to any third parties, without your prior consent.
—Hazlitt, 6 Feb. 2026
Among this group, 802 cancer survivors provided dietary information via a questionnaire from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), according to the press release.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Gurus can deliver millions of devoted followers as a consolidated vote bank, and in return politicians may provide a shield of patronage, according to Ronki Ram, a professor at the Institute for Development and Communication in Chandigarh, who has researched Singh and the Dera Sacha Sauda.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
However, such information will not be posted or published by us, nor sold, rented or provided to any third parties, without your prior consent.
—Hazlitt, 6 Feb. 2026
Among this group, 802 cancer survivors provided dietary information via a questionnaire from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), according to the press release.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Gurus can deliver millions of devoted followers as a consolidated vote bank, and in return politicians may provide a shield of patronage, according to Ronki Ram, a professor at the Institute for Development and Communication in Chandigarh, who has researched Singh and the Dera Sacha Sauda.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 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 7 Feb. 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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