Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A stock or supply of foods: A collection of food items that have been gathered and stored for future use, especially for a journey, expedition, or period of time.

Usage

• The word "provisions" is almost always used in its plural form to refer to a supply of food and drink.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving preparation, such as for travel, camping, or surviving a period when food may not be readily available.
• It functions as a countable plural noun (e.g., "the provisions," "some provisions").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The explorers packed enough provisions for their three-month journey across the continent.
  • Before the storm hit, people rushed to the store to buy provisions.
  • The ship's hold was filled with provisions for the long voyage.

Advanced Usage

• "To lay in provisions": To acquire and store a supply of food.
  • Every autumn, the family would lay in provisions for the winter.
• "To run low on provisions": To have your supply of food become nearly depleted.
  • After two weeks stranded, the hikers began to run low on provisions.

Variants and Related Words

• Provision (noun, singular): The act of providing or supplying something, or a condition or requirement in a legal document. (Note: This is a different, though related, meaning from the plural "provisions" meaning food supplies).
  • The contract includes a provision for early termination.
• Provisioner (noun): A person or company that supplies provisions, especially food.
• Provisioning (noun/gerund): The action of supplying with provisions.

Synonyms

• Supplies: General materials or food needed for a purpose.
• Foodstuffs: Substances suitable for consumption as food.
• Rations: A fixed allowance of provisions or food, especially for members of the armed services.
• Comestibles (formal): Items of food.

Related Phrases

• "To make provisions for": This phrase uses the singular "provision" and means to plan or prepare for a future event or need, which can include but is not limited to food.
  • He made careful financial provisions for his retirement.

Noun

1. a stock or supply of foods