noun · verb · 14 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:P R AH0 V IH1 ZH AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
An item of goods or supplies, especially food, obtained for future use.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The act of providing, or making previous preparation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Money set aside for a future event.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A liability or contra account to recognise likely future adverse events associated with current transactions.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: accounting, business, finance
Examples
We increased our provision for bad debts on credit sales going into the recession.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A clause in a legal instrument, a law, etc., providing for a particular matter; stipulation; proviso.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: law
Examples
An arrest shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: condition, disposition, stipulation
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
Regular induction into a benefice, comprehending nomination, collation, and installation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
A nomination by the pope to a benefice before it became vacant, depriving the patron of his right of presentation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, countable, historical, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To supply with provisions.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
to provision an army
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
verb
Meaning 9
To supply (a user) with an account, resources, etc. so that they can use a system; to install the necessary software on a bare-bones system so it can be used for a specific purpose.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract