noun
chain
CHAYN
noun
1
A series of connected metal links, used for pulling, securing, or decoration.
"He locked his bike with a heavy steel chain."
"She wore a delicate gold chain around her neck."
2
A group of stores, restaurants, or other businesses operating under the same brand.
"The coffee chain opened its hundredth store this year."
3
A connected series of events, people, or things.
"A chain of miscommunications led to the delayed shipment."
"Police traced the chain of custody for the evidence."
verb
1
To fasten or restrain something with a chain.
"They chained the gate shut for the night."
"The dog was chained to a post in the yard."
How to Use Chain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLinked metal rings used to secure or pull things, or more broadly, any connected series of things or events.
Common pairings
chain of command
food chain
chain reaction
supply chain
Word Forms
chained past tense, chains plural, Chains plural, chains singular
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He locked his bike with a heavy steel _____.
Etymology
From Old French chaine, from Latin catena ("chain") — the same root that gives us "catenary" and "concatenate."