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

Now, it hopes to do the same with its sprawling global supply chain by opening up its network to more business customers—including those that don’t sell on Amazon’s retail marketplace.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“DBS believes supply chain impacts on its clients from the Middle East conflict can be contained and expects medium-term lending opportunities in infrastructure and renewables to arise,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

On the surface, it may not seem like a premium toilet maker seeking “the perfect flush” has much to offer the artificial-intelligence supply chain.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

The shock has rippled through the farm supply chain.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

With the news now made public, most of the town, including Kalbro’s supply chain manager, was trembling with the bad vibes.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx