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
The Context Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week entered its fourth year, with the U.S. previously providing billions in military and humanitarian support.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
The upper stage ended up exploding over the Atlantic Ocean, providing a dramatic sky show for people in the Turks and Caicos Islands and nearby areas.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Now reports indicate Trump will sign an executive order declaring English the official language of the U.S. and rescinding requirements that programs that receive federal funds provide language assistance for non-English speakers.
—Annie Abbott, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Ground source heat pumps coupled to thermal networks (like the thermal loop at CAS) can also provide energy storage for additional efficiency and cost savings.
—David Englert, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025
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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Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
The upper stage ended up exploding over the Atlantic Ocean, providing a dramatic sky show for people in the Turks and Caicos Islands and nearby areas.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Now reports indicate Trump will sign an executive order declaring English the official language of the U.S. and rescinding requirements that programs that receive federal funds provide language assistance for non-English speakers.
—Annie Abbott, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Ground source heat pumps coupled to thermal networks (like the thermal loop at CAS) can also provide energy storage for additional efficiency and cost savings.
—David Englert, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provide
Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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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