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

So far, the Swedish truck maker hasn’t seen any major disruption to its supply chain from the recent geopolitical turmoil and the Middle East tensions, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Smartglasses offer a lower margin than the group commands in its traditional eyecare business, in which it enjoys a strong control of the supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“There will be significant lags behind i n the effects these supply chain disruptions will have on growth and inflation,” the economists write.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Asos added it had taken "proactive actions to help mitigate inflationary impacts and supply chain issues arising from the conflict in the Middle East", and said it continued to monitor developments closely.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

This all-American show is being produced by an all-world supply chain.

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