noun
Common
provider
pruh-VEYE-duh
Provider (noun) means a person or organization that supplies a service, product, or income. Example: “The childcare provider sends us a short report every afternoon.”
noun
1
A person or organization that supplies a service, product, or income.
"The childcare provider sends us a short report every afternoon."
"She switched to a cheaper internet provider."
"He became the family's main provider after his father passed."
How to use provider
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that supplies what's needed — a company offering a service, or a person supporting a family financially.
Common pairings
service provider
healthcare provider
sole provider
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Word forms
- Plural
- providers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The childcare _____ sends us a short report every afternoon.
Etymology
From provide plus the agent suffix -er.
Related words
Rhymes for provider
See all rhymes for provider →Frequently asked questions
What does “provider” mean?
The word “provider” means a person or organization that supplies a service, product, or income. In plain terms, someone or something that supplies what's needed — a company offering a service, or a person supporting a family financially.
How do you pronounce “provider”?
“Provider” is pronounced pruh-VEYE-duh (/pɹəˈvaɪ.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “provider” in a sentence?
Here is “provider” used in a sentence: “She switched to a cheaper internet provider.”
What part of speech is “provider”?
“Provider” is a noun.
Is “provider” a common word?
“Provider” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a provider and a supplier?
The two overlap heavily, but supplier usually stresses the delivery of physical goods, while provider is more often used for services, such as an internet provider or healthcare provider. A provider can also mean someone who supplies income or support to others.
What is the difference between a provider and a breadwinner?
A breadwinner specifically earns the money that supports a household. A provider is broader: it can mean the person who supplies a family's income and support, but it also covers any person or organisation that supplies a service or product.
