English Reference
verb

produce

v.
US /ˈpɹoʊdus/ pro·duce UK spelling produced, produces, producing

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    to make, grow, or create something.

    to manufacture, grow, or generate something through a process.

    Simple

    The local factory produces over a thousand cars every month.

    In context

    The region produces a significant percentage of the country's wheat, despite the challenging soil conditions and unpredictable rainfall.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    to take something out so that people can see it.

    to present something for inspection or consideration from a place of concealment.

    Simple

    The man produced a small key from his pocket and opened the box.

    In context

    When requested by the officer, the driver produced a valid license and the necessary insurance documentation without hesitation.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    to organize the making of a film, play, or song.

    to supervise and finance the making of a film, broadcast, or musical recording.

    Simple

    She wants to produce her own documentary about climate change.

    In context

    The studio decided to produce a sequel after the first film exceeded all box-office expectations during its opening weekend.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to cause a particular result or feeling.

    to cause a specific result, reaction, or effect to happen.

    Simple

    The new law produced a lot of debate among the public.

    In context

    The sudden change in interest rates produced an immediate cooling effect on the housing market.

    causeresult inprovoke

Usage produce different · produce similar · produced one

The Cernavodă plant, which produces 20% of Romania's electricity, is not expected to be restarted within the next 10 days.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

Although most are harmless, some produce dangerous toxins.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From Middle English produce, from Latin prōdūcō (“to lead forth”), from prō- (“forth, forward”) + dūcō (“to lead, bring”).

Etymology 2

From the verb.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin prōdūcō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated