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 example, individual filers can receive up to $994, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Kids shouldn’t rule who sits on throne The features provided by Andrews McMeel Syndication are copyrighted material and all rights are reserved.
—Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Then there’s the fact that fast running provides a great chance to dial in your form.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
Allen recommends homeowners cut back plants and brush near their home and remove any other items that provide shade, which creates a perfect habitat for rattlesnakes.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Kids shouldn’t rule who sits on throne The features provided by Andrews McMeel Syndication are copyrighted material and all rights are reserved.
—Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Then there’s the fact that fast running provides a great chance to dial in your form.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
Allen recommends homeowners cut back plants and brush near their home and remove any other items that provide shade, which creates a perfect habitat for rattlesnakes.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 20 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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