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
Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
The chain recently rolled out ASMR-like commercials that highlight the sounds and visuals of its handcrafted coffee drinks.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024
Kelli Bender, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Waterman, chained and dressed in orange jump suit, did not respond to the family members' comments Tuesday.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain 
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.
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about these examples.
Noun
Hilton Worldwide Holdings — The hotel chain slid 4.3% after posting third-quarter revenue of $2.87 billion, under the $2.91 billion figure expected from analysts polled by LSEG.
—Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
The chain recently rolled out ASMR-like commercials that highlight the sounds and visuals of its handcrafted coffee drinks.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
Once the animals complete training, they are made to perform, which entails being chained and standing for hours, wearing uncomfortable outfits, and living in a small cage.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Waterman, chained and dressed in orange jump suit, did not respond to the family members' comments Tuesday.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chain
Dictionary Entries Near chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 5 Nov. 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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