food chain

noun

Synonyms of food chainnext
1
: an arrangement of the organisms of an ecological community according to the order of predation in which each uses the next usually lower member as a food source
2
: a hierarchy based on power or importance
at the top of the corporate food chain

Examples of food chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sport of pro wrestling includes a wide range of promotions that features WWE and AEW at the top of the food chain. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The two fast food chains have a storied history of releasing similar menu items in an effort to win over customers. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 And if that pot has now gone bad, that affects the entire downstream logistic food chain. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Exceptionally warm surface water blocked the usual upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich water that fuels the food chain for marine life. — Julia Cole, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for food chain

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of food chain was in 1920

Rhymes for food chain

See All Rhymes for food chain

Browse Nearby Words

food canal
food chain
food chopper
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Cite this Entry

“Food chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20chain. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

food chain

noun
: a series of organisms in which each uses the next usually lower member of the series as a food source

More from Merriam-Webster on food chain

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for food chain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about food chain

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