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

Billoo’s daughters’ favorite halal crispy rice treats were unavailable for a time due to pandemic-related supply chain issues.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Tariffs are import taxes on goods paid by companies that form part of the supermarket supply chain.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

The gains have come despite increasing complexity with supply chain overhangs from the pandemic, changing environmental regulations, and the AI craze.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

In these sectors, supply chain turnover had increased by 35% between 2018 and 2024, the report added.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Low-cost second-line antibiotics would soon be on their way to Russia, but at the moment the supply chain wasn’t working.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French