often attributive
1
a
: a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (such as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement)
b
: a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia
c(1)
: a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
(2)
: a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that confines, restrains, or secures
3
a
: a series of things linked, connected, or associated together
a chain of events
a mountain chain
b
: a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control
fast-food chains
c
: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
chained; chaining; chains
1
: to obstruct or protect by a chain
2
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain
also
: fetter
Examples of chain in a Sentence
Noun
We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.
Verb
She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.
chaining up the dog in the backyard
Recent Examples on the Web
Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 June 2025
In the latest twist, Shooter McGavin (the rival to Sandler’s Happy) gets to be the official spokesperson for the Happy Gilmore Meal, which is an actual offering going on sale at the chain later this summer.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
He was chained up outside and abused before being saved.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The chain also announced a new Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap is joining the menu.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 June 2025
In the latest twist, Shooter McGavin (the rival to Sandler’s Happy) gets to be the official spokesperson for the Happy Gilmore Meal, which is an actual offering going on sale at the chain later this summer.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Verb
With Gi-hun chained up and nonverbal for much of this episode, there might be another layer of meaning to the meal of the day, which Geum-ja encourages Gi-hun to eat with water.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
He was chained up outside and abused before being saved.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chain
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a series of connected links or rings
b
: a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
c
: a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that restricts or binds : bond
3
a
: a series of things joined together as if by links
a chain of mountains
a chain of events
b
: a number of atoms united like links in a chain
chain
2 of 2 verb
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain
Medical Definition
chain
noun1
: a series of things (as bacteria) linked, connected, or associated together
2
: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
Biographical Definition
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