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

American shipbuilders have struggled to produce vessels on time and budget due to a shortage of skilled workers, supply chain issues, and aging facilities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shoppers see new holiday items like Kirkland Signature ribbon as Costco leans more on its own brand where it has greater control of the supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most of the illegally-mined gold is smuggled out to the United Arab Emirates, from where it is laundered into the global supply chain in Europe, the United States, Asia and South Africa.

From Barron's

As the new president continues his flurry of executive orders, the world’s leaders, U.S. chief executives and lawmakers navigate changes touching healthcare, schools and the global supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Coming as it did on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, the soaring prices and supply chain delays felt like a body blow.

From Salon