provider

[pruh-vahy-der]

noun

1. a person or thing that provides.

2. a person who supports a family or another person.

Other Word Forms

• nonprovider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provider¹

First recorded in 1515–25; provide + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A firm backed by David Cote is set to acquire Husky Technologies, a provider of injection-molding equipment, from Platinum Equity for roughly $5 billion including debt, according to people familiar with the matter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It will also take a more detailed look at regular payments on mobile phone contracts and how often a customer may switch provider.

Read more on BBC

Where its inspections identify concerns it said it would "hold providers to account and make clear that action is required to ensure staff are adequately trained".

Read more on BBC

ObamaCare plans tend to be skimpier, with narrower provider networks than those most government retirees enjoy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Two top officials at the Weingart Center Assn., one of Los Angeles’ most prominent homeless services providers, have been placed on leave while the nonprofit conducts an internal review into its housing projects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dealer 
• distributor 
• purveyor 
• retailer www.thesaurus.com
• seller