chain · n
chain (METAL RINGS)
A2 a line of metal rings connected together
Dictionary examples:
My bike chain broke. Now it's just a funny chair. (0.0)
I made a chain of paper clips. My boss wasn't happy. (0.0)
My dog wears a chain necklace and thinks he's a rapper. (0.0)
a bicycle chain (15.5)
She wore a gold chain around her neck. (27.0)
The hostages were kept in chains. (43.3)
chain (BUSINESS)
B1 a number of similar stores, restaurants, etc. owned by the same company
Dictionary examples:
The clown-themed burger chain made customers laugh and cry at the same time. (0.0)
The bookstore chain's bestseller was 'How to Survive Working in Retail'. (0.0)
The toy store chain's most popular item was 'My First Office Cubicle'. (0.0)
a chain of hotels/stores/supermarkets (22.6)
a fast-food chain (24.9)
chain (EVENTS)
B2 a series of things that happen one after the other
Dictionary examples:
a chain reaction (24.8)
His arrival set off a surprising chain of events. (32.1)