noun
food chain
FOOD chayn
Food chain (noun) means a sequence of living things in which each one is eaten by the next, showing how energy passes from plants up through animals in an ecosystem. Example: “Plankton sit at the bottom of the ocean food chain.”
noun
1
A sequence of living things in which each one is eaten by the next, showing how energy passes from plants up through animals in an ecosystem.
"Plankton sit at the bottom of the ocean food chain."
"Pesticides can build up as they move along the food chain."
2
informal A hierarchy of people or organisations ranked by power and importance.
"She started at the bottom of the food chain and ran the department within a decade."
"Those decisions are made much further up the food chain."
How to use food chain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWho eats whom in nature, or who ranks above whom at work.
When to use it
The biological sense is neutral and technical. The figurative sense is informal and common in workplace talk.
Memory tip
A food chain is a single line of who eats whom; a food web shows all the overlapping chains in one habitat, which is far closer to reality.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
food web
food pyramid
supply chain
Common pairings
top of the food chain
bottom of the food chain
marine food chain
further up the food chain
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Plankton sit at the bottom of the ocean _____.
Etymology
Formed from food and chain.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for food chain
See all rhymes for food chain →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain traces one straight path of energy, such as grass to rabbit to fox. A food web joins many such chains together, showing that most animals eat several things and are eaten by several others.
What is at the top of the food chain?
The top position is held by apex predators, animals that no other species regularly hunts, such as orcas, lions and large sharks. They are usually few in number because so much energy is lost at each step below them.
What does it mean to be at the bottom of the food chain at work?
It means holding the most junior position, with little authority and the least desirable tasks. The phrase borrows the biological image to describe office hierarchy and is usually said with some resignation or humour.
What is the meaning of food chain?
"food chain" (noun) means a sequence of living things in which each one is eaten by the next, showing how energy passes from plants up through animals in an ecosystem.
