logistic

¹ American  

[loh-jis-tik, luh-] / loʊˈdʒɪs tɪk, lə- /

Also logistical

adjective

1. of or relating to logistics.

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logistic ² American  

[loh-jis-tik, luh-] / loʊˈdʒɪs tɪk, lə- /

noun

1. symbolic logic.

2. Archaic. mathematical calculation.

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adjective

1. of or relating to logistic.

logistic ¹ British  

/ lɒˈdʒɪstɪk /

noun

1. an uninterpreted calculus or system of symbolic logic Compare formal language

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adjective

1. maths (of a curve) having an equation of the form y = k /(1 + e ^a+bx ), where b is less than zero

2. rare of, relating to, or skilled in arithmetical calculations

logistic ² British  

/ lɒˈdʒɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to logistics

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Other Word Forms

• logistically
  adverb
• nonlogistical
  adjective
• unlogistical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of logistic¹

First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from logistics ( def. )

Origin of logistic²

First recorded in 1620–30; from French logistique, from Late Latin logisticus “of computation,” from Greek logistikós “skilled in calculation, rational,” derivative of lógos “word”; see logos ( def. ) + -tēs, agent suffix + -ikos -ic ( def. )

Explanation

Anything logistic has to do with organizing and managing a situation. You failed to solve the logistic problem of the mechanical claw game, leaving you without the stuffed koala you longed for. The base of the word logistic is, logically, logos, the Greek word for reason, which can be found in logistikos, "pertaining to logic." You'll see this word in other forms, including the more common adjective, logistical and the noun logistics. As the manager of a large company, you face logistic tasks such as the hiring of workers and the movement of materials from one place to another. Not to mention planning your 3-month vacation.

Example Sentences

"As the region is not a major market for either AI hardware or smartphones, the main risk is more on costs than demand, driven by higher oil prices and some logistic disruptions," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

“We remain confident that our strong commercial teams, digital and logistic infrastructure and the resilience of our business model, will continue to contribute value to our stakeholders and sustain our growth trajectory,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

That included $71 million for food and other basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million in logistic supplies, $3.5 million in travel and $1.5 million in demobilization costs, Newsom’s office said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

So military support here is likely to be more in the areas of training, intelligence and logistic support, helping Ukraine to rebuild its bruised army, along with an ongoing supply of weapons and ammunition.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

What became known as the “residency question” was a logistic nightmare.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis