supply line

[ suh-plahy lahyn ]

noun

1. a route by which goods are transported to those using or purchasing them, especially one carrying food and equipment for troops during a war:

   They thrust deeply into enemy territory, attacking enemy headquarters, communications, and supply lines.

   The trucker blockade shut off a major supply line from Canada to the United States.

2. a tube, pipe, or cable that carries water, fuel, electricity, etc., to the place where it is needed or used:

   Locate the water supply line coming into the valve and turn it off at the source, typically under the sink.

   Crews are working to get the pipeline back in service, as it is a major supply line to several southern states.

3. supply chain ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of supply line¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Elsewhere, since retaking the city of Vuhledar in October - an elevated position which sits above key supply lines and which Moscow spent two years fighting for - Russia has thrown resources at Kurakhove.

From BBC

Russia hadn’t yet invaded Ukraine, crunching global supply lines and creating gasoline shortages that raised pump prices.

From Los Angeles Times

The two cities are seen as vital for maintaining the army's supply lines.

From BBC

Dr Blagden warns that "the personnel, equipment and logistics demands of attempting to sustain the incursion then hold the taken territory will be significant, especially as supply lines lengthen."

From BBC

Officials and experts say that launching long-range missiles into Russia, striking its troops, bases, air fields and supply lines, could pay immediate dividends.

From New York Times