supply

²supply

noun

plural supplies

Definition of SUPPLY

1

obsolete : assistance, succor

2

a obsolete : reinforcements —often used in plural b : a member of the clergy filling a vacant pulpit temporarily c : the quantity or amount (as of a commodity) needed or available <beer was in short supply in that hot weather — Nevil Shute> d : provisions, stores —usually used in plural

3

: the act or process of filling a want or need <engaged in the supply of raw materials to industry>

4

: the quantities of goods or services offered for sale at a particular time or at one price

5

: something that maintains or constitutes a supply

Examples of SUPPLY

1. adequate supplies of fresh water
2. He bought a month's supply of cigarettes.
3. They took a month's worth of supplies on the camping trip.
4. The town is in need of basic medical supplies.
5. a store that sells art supplies
6. The state is trying to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs.
7. The storm interrupted the town's electricity supply.

First Known Use of SUPPLY

15th century

Related to SUPPLY

Synonyms: budget, force, fund, inventory, pool, repertoire, reservoir, stock

Related Words: reserve, resource; cache, hoard, stockpile; refill, renewal, replacement; kitty, nest egg, pot, purse; fountain, mine, source, spring, well, wellspring

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