Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Supplies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📦
Add to dictionary

supplies

[səˈplaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

office

Materials or equipment that are needed to do a particular job or activity.

Synonyms

equipment, materials, resources.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
supplies

Refers to items needed for everyday activities or tasks, often consumables or items that need regular replenishment.

  • The school needs to order more supplies for the next semester.
  • She bought office supplies like paper, pens, and folders.
materials

Refers to substances or components used to create something or are part of a manufacturing or crafting process.

  • The artist gathered all the materials she needed for her new sculpture.
  • Construction materials like bricks and cement were delivered to the site.
equipment

Refers to tools or machinery needed to perform specific tasks or activities, usually more durable and long-lasting.

  • The gym has state-of-the-art equipment for all kinds of workouts.
  • Safety equipment is essential for construction workers.
resources

A broad term that can refer to anything that can be used to meet needs or achieve goals, including time, money, personnel, and information.

  • The company needs more resources to complete the project on time.
  • Teachers often need more resources to enhance student learning.

Examples of usage

  • We are running out of office supplies.
  • Make sure to order more supplies for the project.
Context #2 | Verb

shopping

To provide someone with the things that they need in order to do a job or achieve something.

Synonyms

furnish, issue, provide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
supplies

Use when talking about materials or resources that are needed for a particular purpose and are commonly distributed in bulk.

  • The school received new supplies for the art class.
  • Emergency supplies were sent to the disaster area.
provide

Use when giving something that is needed or wanted, usually in a general sense.

  • The hotel provides free breakfast to all guests.
  • Teachers work hard to provide quality education for their students.
furnish

Use when referring to equipping a space with furniture or necessary items. Often used in more formal contexts.

  • They plan to furnish the new office with modern decor.
  • The landlord furnished the apartment before renting it out.
issue

Use when officially giving out or distributing something, especially documents or formal items. Can have a formal or bureaucratic connotation.

  • The company will issue new ID cards to the employees.
  • The government issued new guidelines for travelers.

Examples of usage

  • The organization supplies food to the homeless.
  • The company supplies uniforms to its employees.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'supplies'

The word 'supplies' originated from the Old French word 'supplie', which came from the Latin word 'supplicium', meaning 'punishment' or 'torture'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to providing what is necessary for a particular purpose or task.

See also: oversupply, supplied, supplier, suppliers, supplying, undersupply.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,593, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.