provider

[ pruh-vahy-der ]

noun

1. a person or thing that provides.
2. a person who supports a family or another person.

Other Words From

• nonpro·vider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provider¹

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

Example Sentences

If a healthcare provider meets that standard they would be required to spend 98% of their revenues from a federal prescription drug program on direct patient care.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, representatives from the utility provider warned Stormont that capacity problems would get worse without additional long-term funding.

From BBC

Rising in its place are “independent” podcasters, live-streamers and content providers who may be called many things, but “journalist” is not among them.

From Salon

Patients and health care providers are running out of time looking for potential answers.

From Salon

In Snohomish County, Wash., one woman was reportedly killed by a felled tree after winds knocked out power to more than 500,000, according to electricity providers in southern Oregon.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dealer
• distributor
• purveyor
• retailer
• seller