logistics

American  

[loh-jis-tiks, luh-] / loʊˈdʒɪs tɪks, lə- /

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.

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logistics British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• logistician
  noun

Etymology

Origin of logistics

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

Explanation

When you sit down to plan a party and work out how many cups you need, where you'll put the chairs, and what time you'll start cooking, you are working out the logistics — the necessary details. Logistics can describe difficult, technical operations. Many colleges have departments of logistics, which teach students how to plan for complicated events, like wars. The term is often used in military contexts to describe how to get soldiers to a certain place with enough food, toilet paper, guns, ammunition, and transportation. You'll often hear logistics used in regular speech to describe any effort that requires some prior planning — even if it's just the logistics of picking someone up at the airport.

Example Sentences

Most FedEx service, including Freight and Logistics, will be unavailable.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Logistics partners gave Ferrari priority “because we let them feel important in normal business,” CEO Benedetto Vigna told Barron’s.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

CVS declined to disclose the size of its investment in the warehouse, which uses technology from warehouse-automation providers AutoStore, Tompkins Robotics and Bastian Solutions, part of Toyota Automated Logistics.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“The industry is going to have a tough couple of years,” said Dave Saoud, co-founder and chief executive of FreezPak Logistics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Logistics embraces the practical details of moving and supplying armies.

From Elements of Military Art and Science Or, Course Of Instruction In Strategy, Fortification, Tactics Of Battles, &C.; Embracing The Duties Of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, And Engineers; Adapted To The Use Of Volunteers And Militia; Third Edition; With Critical Notes On The Mexican And Crimean Wars. by Halleck, Henry Wager

Related Words

• coordination
• engineering
• planning
• strategy