provided; providing

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

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.
The ending scene of a lifelike Trump is also presented as a faux public service announcement, referencing Trump’s claim that the Paramount settlement will provide him $20 million worth of advertising and PSAs. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 However, India began to lean towards the Soviet Union in the 1970s when the US began providing military and financial assistance to India’s neighbor and longtime rival Pakistan. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 As a result of Zalando’s push to provide more entertaining content, people are also spending longer on the platform, Gentz pointed out. Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025 If Sanders is let go, his fifth-round status, currently riding a modest $4.6 million salary, provides some upside for teams who might be interested in signing him. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 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

Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 17 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

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