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
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
MacLachlan is open to new combinations too, like adding a Potato Cake to an Arby’s Beef ‘N Cheddar sandwich, along with the chain’s Horsey Sauce.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024
Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024
One of Grier’s most formidable onscreen foes was the great Margaret Markov, her co-star in Black Mama White Mama, in which the women play prisoners chained together who beat the stuffing out of each other before becoming allies.
—Odie Henderson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain 
Noun
While banks and post offices will be closed on July 4th, that is not the case for restaurants, as most national chains, whether fast food or sit-down, will be open on the holiday, as will a majority of grocery stores.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
MacLachlan is open to new combinations too, like adding a Potato Cake to an Arby’s Beef ‘N Cheddar sandwich, along with the chain’s Horsey Sauce.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024
Verb
Photo of the day: 'Cop City' activists chain themselves to top of 250-foot crane
Two protesters who climbed a 250-feet crane at an Atlanta construction site and attached their arms with duct tape were subsequently arrested.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024
One of Grier’s most formidable onscreen foes was the great Margaret Markov, her co-star in Black Mama White Mama, in which the women play prisoners chained together who beat the stuffing out of each other before becoming allies.
—Odie Henderson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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