supply chain

[ suh-plahy cheyn ]

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.

supply chain

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of supply chain¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Walmart has gone even further, agreeing to extend this agreement to other crops in its supply chain.

From The Daily Beast

You can put this whole thing—the supply chain and whatnot, and do it with hamburgers.

From The Daily Beast

Workers in the Walmart global supply chain are paid even worse.

From The Daily Beast

Prior to joining the USO, Alan led supply chain, customer support, and school service operations at K12, Inc.

From The Daily Beast

Apple is reaping the benefits of being a massive company with a supply-chain specialist, Tim Cook, at the helm.

From The Daily Beast

Well, since Terra has a life form like ours, we could use this place as a link in the supply chain.

From Project Gutenberg