provision

American  

[pruh-vizh-uhn] / prəˈvɪʒ ən /

noun

1. a clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso.

   Synonyms:

   condition

2. the providing or supplying of something, especially of food or other necessities.

3. arrangement or preparation beforehand, as for the doing of something, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means, etc.

4. something provided; a measure or other means for meeting a need.

5. a supply or stock of something provided.

6. provisions, supplies of food.

   Synonyms:

   stock, provender, store

7. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an appointment to an ecclesiastical office.

   2. appointment by the pope to a see or benefice not yet vacant.

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verb (used with object)

1. to supply with provisions.

provision British  

/ prəˈvɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of supplying or providing food, etc

2. something that is supplied or provided

3. preparations made beforehand (esp in the phrase make provision for )

4. (plural) food and other necessities, esp for an expedition

5. (plural) food obtained for a household

6. a demand, condition, or stipulation formally incorporated in a document; proviso

7. the conferring of and induction into ecclesiastical offices

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verb

1. (tr) to supply with provisions

Related Words

See food.

Other Word Forms

• overprovision noun
• preprovision noun
• provisioner noun
• provisionless adjective
• reprovision verb
• self-provision noun
• unprovisioned adjective

Etymology

Origin of provision

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvīsiōn- (stem of prōvīsiō ) “a foreseeing,” equivalent to prōvīs(us) (past participle of prōvidēre “to foresee, look after, provide”) + -iōn- suffix; provide, -ion

Example Sentences

The company's most recently published company accounts include provision of some £91.2m for meeting the requirements of the approved restoration scheme.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

At one point, Justice Samuel Alito, echoing Winston Churchill, described the key, five-word provision of the 14th Amendment as “a puzzle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a mystery.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

By that point, lawmakers appear to have understood this provision to cover the children of all immigrants no matter their parents’ status.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

In 1952, when Congress revised the immigration laws, it added the same provision without controversy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“He is the arbiter of all disputes and no provision is made for an appeal from his decision,” the Tribune reported.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• arrangement
• plan