chain

noun, often attributive

\ ˈchān

Definition of chain

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : 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

3a : 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

chain

verb

chained; chaining; chains

Definition of chain (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to obstruct or protect by a chain

2 : to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain also : fetter

Chain

biographical name

\ ˈchān

Definition of Chain (Entry 3 of 3)

Sir Ernst Boris 1906–1979 British (German-born) biochemist

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About chain

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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: Noun President Joe Biden planned to discuss the agreement during a speech Wednesday afternoon about supply chain issues that have hampered the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. — Josh Boak, ajc, 13 Oct. 2021 Satellite images show the scale of the backlog at ports in California, as ongoing supply chain issues now threaten the holiday shopping season. — Jason Douglas, WSJ, 13 Oct. 2021 The study’s findings largely correlate with another study on supply chain issues by NTT Data. — Paul J. Noble, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2021 But supply-chain issues may interfere with Apple’s superlative sales trajectory. — Declan Harty, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2021 The supply chain issues stem from shipping containers and unloaded ships piling up at ports and a shortage of truck drivers to move products. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2021 White House to work with Walmart, UPS, FedEx on supply chain issues. — Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2021 President Joe Biden planned to discuss the agreement during a speech Wednesday afternoon about supply chain issues that have hampered the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. — BostonGlobe.com, 13 Oct. 2021 Experts say that after supply chain issues resolve, price pressures should ease. — NBC News, 13 Oct. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Someone should pull everyone off the water, chain them to chairs in front of laptops and force the group to read every word. — Bryce Miller Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2021 Earlier Tuesday, Elsa swept past the Florida Keys but spared the low-lying island chain a direct hit. — Curt Anderson, ajc, 7 July 2021 Immigrant labor was what powers plants and kept the food supply chain up and running. — Eben Shapiro, Time, 15 Aug. 2021 Biden has made the development of a U.S. electric vehicle supply chain a key part of his plan to create more auto industry jobs. — Tiffini Theisen, orlandosentinel.com, 5 Aug. 2021 Biden has made the development of a U.S. electric vehicle supply chain a key part of his plan to create more auto industry jobs. — Tom Krisher, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Aug. 2021 Biden has made the development of a U.S. electric vehicle supply chain a key part of his plan to create more auto industry jobs. — Tom Krisher And Aamer Madhani, chicagotribune.com, 5 Aug. 2021 Earlier Tuesday, Elsa swept past the Florida Keys but spared the low-lying island chain a direct hit. — BostonGlobe.com, 8 July 2021 Earlier Tuesday, Elsa swept past the Florida Keys but spared the low-lying island chain a direct hit. — Curt Anderson, USA TODAY, 8 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near chain

Chaima

chain

Chain

Statistics for chain

Last Updated

16 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for chain

chain

noun

English Language Learners Definition of chain

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.

: a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner

: a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way

chain

verb

English Language Learners Definition of chain (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten, hold, or connect (someone or something) with a chain

See the full definition for chain in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chain

noun

\ ˈchān