provider

noun

pro·​vid·​er prə-ˈvī-dər How to pronounce provider (audio)
Synonyms of providernext
: one that provides
health care providers
an Internet provider
especially : breadwinner

Examples of provider in a Sentence

She works hard and is a good provider. He is the sole provider for his family.
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.
Model providers face commercial pressure to release products quickly and devote resources to capability development. — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Now, though, billing firms are popping up to draw more providers into these payment disputes. — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 Walmart, the nation's fifth-largest prescription provider with nearly 4,600 pharmacies, has moved aggressively to capture this shift. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 Paramedic service to Storrs was previously handled exclusively by Windham Hospital, which will remain the primary provider in Storrs. — Mike Enright, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provider

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provider was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing provider

Rhymes for provider

See All Rhymes for provider

Browse Nearby Words

providently
provider
providing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provider. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provider

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for provider

Nglish: Translation of provider for Spanish Speakers

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