# furnish

/ˈfɝnɪʃ/ (US) · /fˈɜːnɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/furnish
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to put furniture into a room or building. It can also mean to provide someone with something they need, like information.

For teachers: to provide a room or building with furniture and fittings; to supply or provide something necessary. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- They need to furnish the new apartment before they move in.
- The agency agreed to furnish the committee with all the documents required for the investigation.
- While the landlord agreed to furnish the living area, the tenants were responsible for providing their own bedroom sets and kitchen appliances.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The room was furnished by a desk." but "The room was furnished with a desk." — When describing the items inside a room, use the preposition 'with' rather than 'by'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive. When meaning 'to provide', it often follows the pattern 'furnish someone with something' or 'furnish something to someone'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.