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
Jeff Marks,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
The popular chicken chain's subsidiary, Chick-fil-A Supply, is behind the 270,000-square-foot project and aims to wrap up construction by 2026.
—Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2024
Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed in a news release that the canine — named Rusty — is finally getting to enjoy his golden years in comfort after a decade spent chained outdoors to a doghouse in North Carolina.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain 
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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
Elsewhere, shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance took off a little past noon after The Wall Street Journal reported that the pharmacy chain was in talks to sell itself to private-equity firm Sycamore Partners.
—Jeff Marks,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
The popular chicken chain's subsidiary, Chick-fil-A Supply, is behind the 270,000-square-foot project and aims to wrap up construction by 2026.
—Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
Rusty, a Lab/Chow mix, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, was rescued by PETA 10 years after he was found being kept in isolation, chained in a pen, in North Carolina.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed in a news release that the canine — named Rusty — is finally getting to enjoy his golden years in comfort after a decade spent chained outdoors to a doghouse in North Carolina.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 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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