supply chain

American  

[suh-plahy cheyn] / səˈplaɪ ˌtʃeɪn /

noun

• supply chains
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• supply chains
  plural

Etymology

Origin of supply chain

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

supply chain

At that time, the central bank faced criticism for moving too slowly as eurozone inflation surged on the back of post-Covid pandemic supply chain woes and then the energy shock from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

And he worries that when the supply chain dust settles, it will be him that picks up the bill.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

Nick Vyas, a supply chain expert and professor at USC Marshall School of Business, said that while companies try to absorb some of the cost increase, grocery prices are starting to tick up in stores.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

He added the deal would contribute to economic activity in the region, government tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs at Alstom and across its Canadian supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

When I asked him to elaborate, Hyten sketched out for me how animated films are produced today through a global supply chain.

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