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

"Communities across Aceh are at severe risk of food shortages and hunger if supply lines are not reestablished in the next seven days," charity group Islamic Relief said.

From Barron's

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

Then there is the near stalemate on the front line - and the consequent shift in focus by the Russian army to disrupt supply lines instead.

From BBC

“It would take months or years to bring back those supply lines,” said Maulik Radia, head of the Association of Industries of Haiti.

From The Wall Street Journal