suppliers
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //səˈpɫaɪɝz// UK //səplˈaɪəz// sup·pli·ers
n. people or companies that sell goods or services to other businesses. You usually find them at the start of the supply chain.
n. entities, such as individuals or businesses, that provide goods or services to another organisation. Often used in the context of procurement and supply chain management.
The restaurant works with several local food suppliers.
The factory had to stop production because one of its main parts suppliers failed to deliver on time.
Diversifying our base of suppliers ensures that the company remains resilient even if a single vendor faces logistical challenges or financial instability.
Usage
Commonly used in the plural to refer to the network of providers a business relies on.