A "provider" is an individual or organization that supplies goods or services to others. In various contexts, this term can refer to healthcare providers, such as doctors and hospitals, who deliver medical care, or service providers, like internet companies, that offer connectivity to customers. In the business world, providers play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers have access to necessary products and services. They can include manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, all of whom contribute to the supply chain by making items available for purchase or use.