food chain

noun

1

: an arrangement of the organisms of an ecological community according to the order of predation in which each uses the next usually lower member as a food source

2

: a hierarchy based on power or importance

at the top of the corporate food chain

Examples of food chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When will Freddy’s open in Fort Worth? The fast food chain is on track to open in late July 2025, according to a Freddy’s spokesperson. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025

Fast food chains see slower growth and delivery According to the study, McDonald’s, which recently re-released its beloved Snack Wraps, only saw a growth of 0.2%. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 June 2025

The protein is certainly having its moment as multiple fast food chains roll out new offerings to meet customers’ demand for chicken. —Tanasia Kenney, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025

Chipotle is introducing its first new dip in five years, the Mexican fast food chain announced Monday. Called Adobe Ranch, the new dipping sauce flavor will be available at Chipotle restaurants beginning on June 17. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for food chain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

food chain

noun

: a series of organisms in which each uses the next usually lower member of the series as a food source