provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd 

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

Synonyms

• deliver
• feed
• furnish
• give
• hand
• hand over
• supply

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

A little more than 10 percent of the property was designated for commercial activities to provide tax revenue that would help pay for the development and maintenance of the public parks and recreational uses. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025

Jon will then walk through the home and can provide an offer price within 24 hours. —Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025

Rosenthal recommends using the one-third rule, which means leaving one-third of the surface free in order to provide visual balance. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025

Darien Bell and Manuel Jones had plans to build on the lot and provide affordable housing for veterans in connection with their non-profit group Veterans & Community Resource Center. —Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing provide

• provide against
• provide for

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