# supplies

/səˈpɫaɪz/ (US) · /səplˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supplies
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. necessary items

noun · CEFR B1

food, equipment, or other things that are needed for a particular purpose.

For teachers: the stock of materials, provisions, or equipment necessary for an operation or for daily survival.

- The rescue team brought medical supplies and clean water to the village.
- The expedition was forced to turn back after their essential supplies were contaminated by the unexpected floodwaters.

### 2. financial resources

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

money or resources provided for a specific project or government use.

For teachers: financial resources or grants of money, particularly those voted by a legislature for government expenditure.

- The government debated the new supplies for the education department.
- The parliamentary committee scrutinized the annual supplies to ensure the allocated funds were being utilized efficiently across all departments.

Usage: Often used in the context of 'Supply Bills' or 'Votes of Supply' in parliamentary systems.

## Examples

- The school ordered more office supplies for the teachers.
- Rescue teams arrived with medical supplies and clean water for the people affected by the storm.
- Disruptions in the global logistics chain have made it increasingly difficult for local manufacturers to maintain adequate supplies of raw materials for their production lines.

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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.