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
Alonso has plenty of good raw material to work with and, provided he is given the right support and empowered to build a team in his image, there is every reason for fans to be excited about the potential of this appointment.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
The trade for Pittman and the drafting of Bernard could provide Rodgers with more big-play options after teams loaded up to stop DK Metcalf last year.
—Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
As the distillery’s distribution has grown, the company hasn’t shied away from providing its products to the public for charity.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Analysts and journalists have used aggregate EEO-1 data to conduct research and provide insights into workforce trends across job categories, industries and regions.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
The trade for Pittman and the drafting of Bernard could provide Rodgers with more big-play options after teams loaded up to stop DK Metcalf last year.
—Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
As the distillery’s distribution has grown, the company hasn’t shied away from providing its products to the public for charity.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Analysts and journalists have used aggregate EEO-1 data to conduct research and provide insights into workforce trends across job categories, industries and regions.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 16 May 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 20 May. 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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