# chain

/ˈtʃeɪn/ (US) · /tʃˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chain
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. metal links

noun · CEFR A2

a series of connected metal rings used to pull, hold, or lock things.

For teachers: a series of interconnected rings or links, typically made of metal, used for traction, support, or security.

- He used a heavy metal chain to lock his bicycle to the fence.
- The anchor was lowered by a massive rusted chain that rattled loudly against the side of the ship.

### 2. business group

noun · CEFR B1

a group of shops, hotels, or restaurants owned by the same company.

For teachers: a number of commercial establishments, such as retail stores or restaurants, under common ownership and branding.

- This coffee shop is part of a large international chain.
- The retail chain announced plans to close several underperforming branches in the suburban shopping districts.

### 3. series of events

noun · CEFR B1

a series of things or events that are connected to each other.

For teachers: a sequence of related items, events, or phenomena following one another in a specific order.

- The mistake started a chain of events that led to the accident.
- The sudden resignation of the CEO triggered a chain of reactions across the global financial markets.

### 4. property sales

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a line of people buying and selling houses where each sale depends on the others.

For teachers: a sequence of linked house purchases, where each transaction is contingent on the completion of the preceding and succeeding ones.

- The sale of our house fell through because the chain broke at the bottom.
- Estate agents often struggle to manage long property chains where a single buyer's withdrawal can collapse multiple transactions.

### 5. mathematics/computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a list of data items where each one points to the next.

For teachers: a sequence of data elements or mathematical objects linked by pointers or a total ordering relation.

- The program follows a chain of pointers to find the correct information.
- In blockchain technology, each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, creating an immutable chain of data.

### 6. to fasten

verb · CEFR B1

to tie or lock someone or something using a chain.

For teachers: to fasten, secure, or confine an object or person using a chain; often used with 'to' or 'up'.

- They chained the gates shut to keep people out of the park at night.
- The protesters chained themselves to the railings of the parliament building to draw attention to their cause.

### 7. to restrict

verb · CEFR B2

to force someone to stay in a place or situation.

For teachers: to confine or restrict someone's freedom or movement as if with physical chains.

- She felt chained to her desk because she had so much work to do.
- Many young professionals feel chained to their mortgages, preventing them from taking risks in their careers.

## Examples

- The dog is on a long metal chain.
- The local coffee shop was eventually bought out by a large international chain.
- The anchor is attached to a heavy iron chain that prevents the ship from drifting during the storm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.