supply line

American  

[suh-plahy lahyn] / səˈplaɪ ˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a route by which goods are transported to those using or purchasing them, especially one carrying food and equipment for troops during a war.

   They thrust deeply into enemy territory, attacking enemy headquarters, communications, and supply lines.

   The trucker blockade shut off a major supply line from Canada to the United States.

2. a tube, pipe, or cable that carries water, fuel, electricity, etc., to the place where it is needed or used.

   Locate the water supply line coming into the valve and turn it off at the source, typically under the sink.

   Crews are working to get the pipeline back in service, as it is a major supply line to several southern states.

3. supply chain.

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Etymology

Origin of supply line

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Poland's railway network is a critical part of the military supply lines for neighbouring Ukraine as well as a route for civilians moving in and out of the country.

From BBC

American Radiator solved the problem with a central boiler positioned in a building’s basement and separate supply lines piped to specific zones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ukrainian army sources told the BBC that special forces from military intelligence and assault groups were being used as regular infantry to protect supply lines to troops holding the town in the Donbas region.

From BBC

Islamist militants still severely impact large swathes of Burkina Faso and Mali, imposing roadblocks, launching attacks and cutting off supply lines as they expand their decade-long presence, according to residents' testimonies.

From Barron's

Blame for the blasts, which crippled a long-controversial energy supply line from Russia to Germany, initially focused on Moscow until signs of Ukrainian involvement began to emerge.

From BBC