Chain | Mean of chain in English Dictionary

/ˈtʃeɪn/

• Noun
• a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.
1. The neighbor's dog is kept on a chain. [=is connected to a chain that keeps it from getting away]
2. She wore a beautiful gold chain [=necklace] around her neck.
3. the ship's anchor chain
4. a bicycle chain
5. We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
• a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner
1. The prisoners were kept in chains while being transferred to the new jail.
2. The contract would keep the employees in chains, unable to leave the company for at least five years.
• a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way
1. a chain of islands
2. The world's longest mountain chain [=group of mountains that form a long line] is the Andes.
3. The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
4. Protesters formed a human chain [=they stood next to each other with their arms linked] around the ancient tree to prevent it from being cut down.

• a group of businesses (such as stores, restaurants, or hotels) that have the same name and basic appearance and sell the same products or services
1. They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
2. fast-food/clothing chains
• the company that owns such a group of businesses
1. The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.
• a number of people who each want to buy a house but must first sell their current house before moving to the next one
1. Both houses are currently vacant so there is no chain to worry about.
• to flush a toilet
• to deceive someone in a friendly or playful way
1. I thought he really won the lottery but he was only pulling my chain. [=he was only playing a joke on me]
• Verb
• to fasten, hold, or connect (someone or something) with a chain
1. She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.
2. The neighbor's dog is kept chained (up) in the yard.
3. The prisoners were chained together.
4. Many office workers spend the day chained to the computer. [=they work with a computer all day]
5. He hopes to spend less time chained to his desk.