supervise

verb

su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz How to pronounce supervise (audio)
supervised; supervising
Synonyms of supervise

transitive verb

: to be in charge of : superintend, oversee
supervise a large staff
supervised the ship's daily operations

Synonyms of supervise

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Examples of supervise in a Sentence

The builder supervised the construction of the house. She supervises a staff of 30 workers.
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.
His daughter gradually took over supervising much of the team's management and became CEO in August 1998 after her father was elected commissioner. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Children under 12 must be accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The California Department of State Hospitals contracts with Liberty Healthcare to supervise people convicted of specific crimes and who also struggle with significant mental health conditions. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Leadership must move from supervising activity to empowering execution. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supervise

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre, from Latin super- + vidēre to see — more at wit

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supervise was circa 1645

Rhymes for supervise

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Browse Nearby Words

supervisal
supervise
supervised study
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Cite this Entry

“Supervise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supervise. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

supervise

verb
su·​per·​vise ˈsü-pər-ˌvīz How to pronounce supervise (audio)
supervised; supervising
: superintend, oversee
Etymology

from Latin supervisus, past participle of supervidēre "to oversee," from super- "over, above" and vidēre "to see" — related to vision

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