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
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.
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 officer said Thurman had been sleeping on a Blue Line train at the time and provided his driver’s license during that encounter.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Henry Gardner, the executive director of the Coliseum’s decision-making body, said the Roots did cover baseline costs of security, electrical systems and other on-site staffing provided at the site by entertainment company AEG.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Community development financial institutions are banks, credit unions, loan funds and capital funds that have a mission to provide help to underserved, often low-income or rural, communities.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026
The free community event provides older adults with resources and inspiration.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provide
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Cite this Entry
“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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