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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
According to Colossal, bringing back this apex predator could help maintain species diversity among the creatures below it on the food chain. Scott Travers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Those tiny plastics are then consumed by fish and work their way up the food chain. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 Some other major fast food chains who have received onions from Taylor Farms – including Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC – have removed fresh onions from their menus at some locations. Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024 Since these massive marine mammals are at the top of the food chain, the findings suggest that other Arctic animals are also at greater risk of contracting pathogens as the climate warms. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 The fast food chain plans to launch a streaming service later this year, Deadline reports. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 22 Oct. 2024 Other popular food chains have resurrected beloved items at the request of fans. Marina Watts, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024 Notably, of the 10 biggest fast food chains in America, Wendy’s had the largest increase, rising 32%. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Business Boar’s Head expands recall to include 7 million more pounds of deli meats tied to listeria outbreak July 31, 2024 In response, the fast food chain has proactively removed the onions and patties used for the burgers from stores in the affected states, according to the CDC. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of food chain was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near food chain

Cite this Entry

“Food chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20chain. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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