chain

1 of 2

noun

ˈchān 

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

chain

2 of 2

verb

chained; chaining; chains

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

Synonyms

Noun

• sequence
• train
• string

Verb

• bind
• tie
• shackle
• hamper

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

Coherent dialogues flow naturally, which can only be observed across a chain of exchanges. —Tarush Agarwal, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Both top and bottom were held together by strings of gold chain, which hugged her waist and chest. —Michael Nied, People.com, 8 July 2025

Verb

There were 20 other men who were all chained together by their ankles and wrists. —Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 3 July 2025

Gen Zers previously told Fortune that a key element is having the freedom to be their own boss and not be chained to a desk. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cheyne, from Anglo-French chaene, from Latin catena

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chain

• a human chain
• ball and chain
• chain belt
• chain gang
• chain letter
• chain-link fence
• chain mail
• chain of command
• chain pickerel
• chain reaction
• chain rule
• chain saw
• chain-smoke
• chain stitch
• chain store
• choke chain
• daisy chain
• food chain
• Gunter's chain
• heavy chain
• key chain
• light chain
• long-chain
• Markov chain
• mountain chain
• open chain
• polymerase chain reaction
• pull the chain
• pull/yank someone's chain
• side chain
• straight chain
• supply chain
• timing chain

Rhymes for chain

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

chain

1 of 2 noun

ˈchān 

1

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

noun

ˈchān 

1

: 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

Chain

biographical name

ˈchān 

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