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

Because this type of multipoint investigation is reactive, the product that’s suspected of causing the illness may have already moved through the supply chain into stores or restaurants and has already been consumed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

Aughinish said in a statement on Friday that its alumina had "no connection whatsoever to the Russian military supply chain".

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

We have reassured the whole industrial community that Bromo will be beneficial for us, but also for customers and for the whole supply chain.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Or consider a Michigan carmaker that uses AI and cloud-connected machinery at every step of the supply chain, from initial design to final delivery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

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

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