a stock or supply of foods
"After weeks at sea, the crew finally spotted land and rushed to secure fresh water and provisions from the stranded shipwreck."
plural of provision
"The sailor checked the ship's provisions to ensure there was enough fresh water and canned meat for the long voyage ahead."
In plain English: Provisions are supplies of food and equipment that people take with them on a journey or keep to survive during hard times.
"The hikers packed plenty of provisions before starting their long trek through the mountains."
Usage: Provisions are supplies or food items stored to sustain people during travel or emergencies. Use this term when referring to tangible goods like rations or equipment rather than abstract rules or legal stipulations.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of provision
"The company provisions that its new employees will receive comprehensive health coverage starting next month."
In plain English: To provide provisions means to give someone the food and supplies they need for a journey or stay.
"We must provision the ship with enough food and water for the long journey across the ocean."
Usage: Use "provisions" as a verb only when referring to the rare act of supplying someone with food or supplies; in most cases, use the noun form "provision" or the verbs "provide" and "supply." Be careful not to confuse this third-person singular verb form with the more common plural noun meaning necessary items.
Derived from Old French provicion, this term originally meant an act of providing or supplying something necessary. It entered English in the 14th century to denote supplies stored for future use, particularly food and equipment.