provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing
Synonyms of providenext

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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
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.
Bernstein and von Karajan's debates about their artistic methods and philosophies are underscored by musical segments, enhancing emotional depth and providing poetic resonance to their conversations. — Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 In the summer of 2023, their fog collectors provided around 37 percent of the irrigation needs for a vegetable garden at the UCSC Farm. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 For young staffers, the magazines were life-making, paternalistic institutions, providing support both in and out of the office. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025 Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide a copy of the invocation to the Supreme Court Chief Justice, all governors in addition to the highest-ranking judicial officer for every state and territory in the United States. — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provide

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of provide was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing provide

Rhymes for provide

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Browse Nearby Words

provide
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Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

provide

verb
pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on provide

Nglish: Translation of provide for Spanish Speakers

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