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

A few more hours away is the Jordanian border, which has been used regularly as a supply line for aid for Gaza.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

In recent weeks, Russian forces have breached a critical supply line and threatened to encircle Ukrainian soldiers.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2024

But “you’ll still see there’s an awful lot of trade going through the Red Sea because it’s such a crucial supply line for Europe and Asia.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2023

Amid artillery battles in Ukraine, Russia has ramped up its shell production, but a North Korean supply line could be useful.

From Reuters • Sep. 14, 2023

“Is the rationing really because of the extra families or because the supply line from Baltimore is gone?”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland