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

In other words: “How can we look outside of the aerospace supply chain to procure parts that are highly available and low cost?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Wall Street analysts told investors not to overreact to Amazon’s supply chain ambitions, noting that the company has been expanding its logistics operations for years.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Kamieth also warned of more supply chain disruptions from the Iran war later this year.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Mining companies have positioned themselves as important contributors to efforts to build a rare-earth supply chain outside China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 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