logistics

[loh-jis-tiks, luh-]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the branch of military science and operations dealing with the procurement, supply, and maintenance of equipment, with the movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel, with the provision of facilities and services, and with related matters.

2. the planning, implementation, and coordination of the details of a business or other operation.

logistics

/ lɒˈdʒɪstɪks, ˌlɒdʒɪˈstɪʃən /

noun

1. the science of the movement, supplying, and maintenance of military forces in the field

2. the management of materials flow through an organization, from raw materials through to finished goods

3. the detailed planning and organization of any large complex operation

Other Word Forms

• logistician noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of logistics¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from French logistique “quartermaster's work,” equivalent to log(er) “to lodge, be quartered (said of troops)” + -istique -istic; -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of logistics¹

C19: from French logistique, from loger to _lodge

Example Sentences

When he was diagnosed, they took a break from their jobs in the logistics industry to travel the world.

From BBC

Foster, whose shop has a long-standing relationship with its Hollywood peers at Amoeba, said the decision by Cardi B’s team to hold her meet-and-greet in Long Beach probably also came down to logistics.

From Los Angeles Times

InPost acquired parcel delivery firm Yodel in May, a move that the two companies said would create one of the largest logistics firms in the UK.

From BBC

JLR said on Thursday that its recovery programme was "firmly under way" and that its global parts logistics centre, which supplies spare parts that service customers' vehicles, "returning to full operations".

From BBC

“People who have been trained in the military are incredibly good at problem solving and logistics,” Sennish said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coordination 
• engineering 
• planning 
• strategy