ENGLISH
REFERENCE

supplier

n.
US //səˈpɫaɪɝ// UK //səplˈaɪə// sup·pli·er
  1. 1 business provider (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person or company that provides goods or services to another business or person.

    an entity that provides goods or services, typically on a commercial basis and as part of a supply chain.

    Example

    The restaurant changed its vegetable supplier because the new one was cheaper.

    Example

    The automotive manufacturer maintains strict quality control standards for every external supplier to ensure the reliability of the final product.

    Usage

    often used with 'of' to specify the product, such as 'a supplier of office equipment'.

  2. 2 sports assist (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    a player who passes the ball to a teammate so they can score a goal.

    a player responsible for providing the final pass or cross that leads to a scoring opportunity.

    Example

    He is the team's main supplier, creating most of the chances for the strikers.

    Example

    The winger has become the primary supplier for the team, consistently delivering precise crosses into the box for the strikers to convert.

    Usage

    more common in British English sports commentary than in American English.

Origin

From supply + -er.

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