Supply
/səˈplaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide or make available something that is needed or wanted.
/səˈplaɪ/
To provide something needed or desired.
The store supplies groceries to the community.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're helping your friend by giving them what they need. That's 'supply'! Like, if your friend ran out of snacks, you might supply them with some.
👶 For kids: To give something to someone that they need.
More Examples
The charity supplies food and water to disaster victims.
The factory will supply the demand of the product.
How It's Used
"The company supplies raw materials to manufacturers."
"We need to supply the troops with food and ammunition."
An amount of something available for use; a stock of a resource.
/səˈplaɪ/
A stock of something provided or available for use.
The shop has a wide supply of stationery.
💡 Simply: It's like having a bunch of something ready to use. Like, you might have a supply of pencils for school, or your mom might have a supply of cleaning spray.
👶 For kids: A bunch of stuff you have to use when you need it.
More Examples
The hospital is running low on blood supplies.
The city has a constant supply of water.
How It's Used
"The army's supplies were running low after the long campaign."
"An increase in supply can lead to a decrease in prices."
Synonyms
Deliver
Furnish
Give
Offer
Provide
Inventory
Provision
Reserve
Stock
Store
Idioms & expressions
supply chain
The entire process of making and selling commercial goods, including every stage from the supply of materials to the delivery of products to consumers.
"Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to shortages."
demand and supply
The economic relationship between the quantity of goods or services that producers wish to sell at various prices and the quantity that consumers wish to buy.
"The law of supply and demand determines market prices."
From Middle English *supplien*, from Old French *soupleir* (to supply, furnish), from Latin *supplēre* (to fill up, make good, furnish).
The word 'supply' has been used since the 14th century, initially with a meaning similar to 'to furnish'.
Memory tip
Think of 'providing' something vital, like a lifeline.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: supplēre