# supplier

/səˈpɫaɪɝ/ (US) · /səplˈaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supplier
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. business provider

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The local farm is our main supplier of fresh milk.
- The factory had to stop production because their primary supplier of steel failed to deliver the materials on time.
- Diversifying our network of suppliers is essential to mitigate the risks associated with global shipping delays and sudden price fluctuations in raw materials.

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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.