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

However, the responsibility for consumer safety sits with the whole supply chain - from manufacturers and importers through to online marketplaces.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Bringing silicon photonics technology in-house will improve supply chain and cost structure, one analyst said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Inflation for materials and labor, and backlogs in the supply chain, are driving project costs higher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The DOE is directed to give recommendations to address “any gaps” in the supply chain.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Infosys, he said, can hold a virtual meeting of the key players from its entire global supply chain for any project at any time on that supersize screen.

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