supply
verb [ T ]
uk/səˈplaɪ/ us PRODUCTION, COMMERCE
to provide materials, or goods and services:
supply sth to sb/sth They supply parts to the automotive industry.
Electrical power is supplied by underground cables.
We supply systems for clients on the Pacific rim.
to give something that is needed to someone or something:
supply sb/sth with sth All employees are supplied with safety equipment.
They were not able to supply us with the relevant data.
supply
noun
uk/səˈplaɪ/ usplural supplies [ C or U ]
an amount of something that is available for use:
a supply of sth The world's supply of agricultural land is shrinking fast.
We do not have an unlimited supply of money available for this project.
Extensive mining has reduced the supplies of coal in the area.
a limited/unlimited supply
to ensure/boost/restrict the supply
Across the economy, it seems that demand for viable CEO candidates exceeds supply.
Compare
demand noun
[ U ]
the act of providing something:
They have been asked to tender for the supply of cleaning materials to all the company's offices.
gas/electricity/water supply
the system used for supplying gas, electricity, etc. to customers:
The energy storage system tops up the peak electricity supply.
supplies [ plural ]
food or other things that are necessary for living:
The refugees are urgently in need of food and medical supplies.
things that are necessary for a particular purpose:
office supplies
See also
excess supply
inelastic supply
in short supply
money supply