WordGarden.iosupply
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /səplˈaɪ/
US
- /səˈplaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to provide or make available something that is needed or wanted
to furnish goods or services to a person, store, or organization
Noun
the amount of something available for use or sale
items or materials kept ready to be used when needed
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're building a castle out of LEGO bricks. You need enough pieces to finish it. That is the most basic meaning of supply: the amount of something that is available. But "supply" is not only about what is there. It can also mean giving someone something they need or want. A bakery supplies bread, a farm supplies vegetables, and a company supplies stores with products.
Sometimes "supply" means the amount available in general, like the supply of oil affecting gas prices. Other times it means meeting a specific need: "We supplied the rescue team with food and water." You can think of it as both a thing (the amount available) and an action (providing what is needed).
The word "supply" has several interconnected meanings, all revolving around availability and provision. At its core, supply refers to the amount of something that is available – whether it's physical goods like food, water, or materials, or abstract things like time, energy, or information. "The demand for masks exceeded the supply during the pandemic" illustrates this meaning; there simply weren't enough masks to meet everyone's needs.
But "supply" isn't just a static quantity. It also functions as a verb, meaning to provide something needed or wanted. A company might supply goods to retailers, a teacher supplies students with knowledge, and a friend supplies support during difficult times. This action of providing is often ongoing – "The farm supplies fresh produce to the local market every week."
In economics, "supply" takes on a more specific meaning, referring to the amount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at various prices. Changes in supply can significantly impact markets and prices.
You'll also encounter "supplies" as a plural noun – these are the materials needed for a particular purpose, such as "school supplies," "medical supplies," or "camping supplies." These are the items that make up what you need for a task or activity.
So, whether you're talking about an abundance of resources, the act of providing assistance, economic principles, or simply the items you need to get a job done – "supply" is all about having what's needed and making it available.
Examples
- 1
Farm deliveries
The farm supplies fresh milk to several schools in the area.
- 2
Hospitality
The hotel supplies guests with towels and soap.
- Patternsupply someone with + thing
provide them with it
- 3
Cold weather
Local shops couldn't supply enough heaters during the cold spell.
- 4
Water system
The storm damaged the town's water supply.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emergency supplies
We always keep a small supply of candles at home.
- Patterna supply of + thing
an amount kept ready to use
- 6
Medicine availability
Several medicines are still in short supply this winter.
- Phrasein short supply
not available in enough quantity
- 7
Lab equipment
The lab was supplied with new equipment by the university.
- 8
Economics
Prices usually fall when supply is high and demand is weak.
- Domainin economics, supply and demand
the amount available and the amount people want
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- supplynounverbadverb
Forms
- suppliespluralnounverbadverb
- suppliedpast tenseverbnounadverb
- supplying-ing formverbnounadverb