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
For Pittsburgh, the signing represents a low-risk addition of a veteran pitcher with major-league experience who can provide organizational depth while potentially competing for a bullpen role later in the season.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
By giving players an opportunity to simulate a positive parental bond, the game may also provide important psychological healing for some players, Lewis says.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 June 2026
The proposal does not identify specific countries that should provide compensation or issue formal apologies.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
Under them, a chatbot must not be able to interact with someone under 18 unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
—Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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.
Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
By giving players an opportunity to simulate a positive parental bond, the game may also provide important psychological healing for some players, Lewis says.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 June 2026
The proposal does not identify specific countries that should provide compensation or issue formal apologies.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
Under them, a chatbot must not be able to interact with someone under 18 unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
—Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 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 21 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
