provider

Provider is a term used to describe a person, organization, or system that supplies goods or services to another party. It encompasses entities that enable outcomes by offering products, access, or expertise, usually under a contract or service terms. The word comes from provide, from Latin providere, meaning to foresee and supply.

In business and commerce, a provider can be a supplier, vendor, contractor, or service company that delivers a product or service to customers, businesses, or public agencies. The designation is often context-specific, for example a healthcare provider, energy provider, or telecommunications provider.

In healthcare and social services, a healthcare provider refers to physicians, hospitals, clinics, and other professionals or institutions that furnish medical care, treatment, or allied health services. The term implies a professional relationship governed by standards of care and patient rights.

In information technology and computing, provider has several specialized meanings. An identity provider (IdP) authenticates users in single sign-on systems; a service provider (SP) consumes authentication from an IdP. An internet service provider (ISP) delivers internet access. A cloud provider (CSP) offers computing resources, storage, or platforms. The term is also used in software design as a provider pattern, where a component supplies dependencies or services to others.

In regulatory and policy contexts, providers may be subject to licensing, accreditation, and compliance requirements designed to protect consumers and ensure quality.