chain reaction
noun
1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
The shutdown has triggered a chain reaction of disruptions at major hubs, risking the onset of mass delays, cascading flight cancellations, and operational uncertainty.
—
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
On a Tuesday in October, one chain reaction almost caused another.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
In a potential breakthrough for balding, scientists at National Taiwan University (NTU) have discovered that brief, controled inflammation in the skin can set off a chain reaction beneath the surface.
—New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025
By October 1939, the month Einstein’s letter was finally delivered to Roosevelt, the Diebner project was already gathering speed, with research into producing a chain reaction and building a bomb going on at numerous German universities.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
On a Tuesday in October, one chain reaction almost caused another.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
In a potential breakthrough for balding, scientists at National Taiwan University (NTU) have discovered that brief, controled inflammation in the skin can set off a chain reaction beneath the surface.
—New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025
By October 1939, the month Einstein’s letter was finally delivered to Roosevelt, the Diebner project was already gathering speed, with research into producing a chain reaction and building a bomb going on at numerous German universities.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share