supply chain

American  

[suh-plahy cheyn] / səˈplaɪ ˌtʃeɪn /

noun

supply chains plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• supply chains
  plural

Etymology

Origin of supply chain

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

supply chain

Together they are helping to rebuild a China-free mine-to-magnet supply chain on American soil.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

"In fact, as we speak, our supply chain team in London is sitting in the John Lewis office."

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

South Korea’s key role in the global artificial-intelligence supply chain has fueled an export-led economic rebound, driven by strong shipments from top chip makers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Individuals in the supply chain can also be replaced – even, according to the cartel members, ones as deeply and widely connected as Zhang is alleged to have been.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

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

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