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

The closing of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war has brought into focus the fragility of the global supply chain, with rising oil prices getting most of the attention.

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

The sneaker giant will move some of the Converse footwear manufacturing resources closer to factory partners and it will reorganize how its materials supply chain operates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Among the challenges facing Bombardier, primarily known for private corporate aircraft, is a constrained aerospace supply chain that requires long lead times to secure components to churn out new jets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

They set up camps all along the west coast of Greece to create a supply chain heading south.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby