What does "provider" mean?

One who, or that which, provides a service, commodity, or the means for subsistence.

What is a synonym for "provider"?

Common synonyms include: supplier, breadwinner, caterer, chandler, clinician, commissariat.

Pronounced //pɹəˈvaɪ.də(ɹ)//.

/pɹəˈvaɪ.də(ɹ)/ noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
One who, or that which, provides a service, commodity, or the means for subsistence.
"In view of this, it is clear why internet service providers (ISPs) are inclined to play a backbench role when it comes to combating file sharing."
2
someone who provides the means for subsistence wordnet
3
someone whose business is to supply a particular service or commodity wordnet

"My husband isn't quite the provider he should be."

From provide + -er. Since 15th century.