chain reaction

noun

1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
chain-react intransitive verb

Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Freak accidents streak through the storylines with kinetic, electrifying energy, igniting a chain reaction of over-the-top kills that coincide under extreme circumstances. Michael Lee Simpson, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Melissa’s 35th quickly turns into a chain reaction of unfortunate events that lead her to the hospital. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 Cool water drawn up from the ocean depths due to the wind shift triggers a chain reaction of weather events. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024 Yet that’s enough time to cause a debilitating chain reaction. Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chain reaction 

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain reaction was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near chain reaction

Cite this Entry

“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chain reaction

noun
1
: a series of events so related to each other that each one sets the next one going
2
: a chemical or nuclear reaction producing energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

Medical Definition

chain reaction

noun
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind

More from Merriam-Webster on chain reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!