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
Synonyms
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
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Taco Bell has been proactive in using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram (META) to engage with users, and the Tex-Mex chain has even gone so far as to let customers vote through the Taco Bell app on which menu items should make a comeback.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024
Creativity doesn’t happen when people are chained to their desks five days a week.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
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
Their cutbacks on spending forced a reckoning among restaurants, with fast-food brands like McDonald’s leaning into value menus and full-service chains like Red Lobster embarking on ambitious makeovers.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Taco Bell has been proactive in using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram (META) to engage with users, and the Tex-Mex chain has even gone so far as to let customers vote through the Taco Bell app on which menu items should make a comeback.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
In episode six there’s a disturbing scene at a milk factory where women are chained and their breast milk is being pumped into babies.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024
Creativity doesn’t happen when people are chained to their desks five days a week.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain
Dictionary Entries Near chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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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