supply chain

American  

[suh-plahy cheyn] / səˈplaɪ ˌtʃeɪn /

noun

1. the series of growers, manufacturers, distributors, shippers, etc., involved in producing goods of a particular kind and bringing them to market.

   A typical supply chain from fiber to garment has up to seven players spread across the globe—more, if processes like dyeing or printing are subcontracted.

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supply chain British  

noun

1. marketing a channel of distribution beginning with the supplier of materials or components, extending through a manufacturing process to the distributor and retailer, and ultimately to the consumer

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Etymology

Origin of supply chain

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The agency vowed to strengthen inspections across the supply chain to crack down on illicit behaviour.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Analysts have long speculated that the memory shortage would allow Apple to gain market share, and Apple’s “proactive supply chain management” has allowed for exactly that, according to Newman.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Several clusters focusing on different sorts of footwear emerged in Jinjiang and neighbouring cities along the eastern coast, each with its own specialised supply chain.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

It catalyzed the modern mass-tourism industry, revolutionized the global supply chain and forged an interconnected global economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

This all-American show is being produced by an all-world supply chain.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman