purvey

verb

pur·​vey (ˌ)pər-ˈvā How to pronounce purvey (audio)
ˈpər-ˌvā
purveyed; purveying

transitive verb

1
: to supply (something, such as provisions) usually as a matter of business
2
: peddle sense 2

Examples of purvey in a Sentence

a shop purveying handmade merchandise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vasyl, a local commander, purveys a bank of monitors inside his basement. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 29 July 2025 Don’t be surprised if you’re lured into boutiques purveying exclusive fashions, vintage jewelry, handcrafts, décor, artisanal foods, and art. — Kelsy Chauvin, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 May 2025 Replika, the company who happened to purvey the primary AI companions in this piece, literally has no skin in the game, but the human partners certainly do. — Krista Stevens, Longreads, 8 July 2025 New York is a realm of fantasy and myth, obsession and resentment, fear and bewilderment for many who’ve never set foot in it; and many who live here also purvey and perpetuate some version of the imaginary city. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for purvey

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purveien, from Anglo-French purveier, purveer to look at, foresee, provide, from Latin providēre to provide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purvey was in the 14th century

Rhymes for purvey

See All Rhymes for purvey

Browse Nearby Words

Purves flue
purvey
purveyance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purvey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purvey. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

purvey

verb
pur·​vey (ˌ)pər-ˈvā How to pronounce purvey (audio)
ˈpər-ˌvā
purveyed; purveying
: to supply usually as a business
purveyance
-ən(t)s
noun
purveyor
-ər
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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