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 /

adjective

1. of or relating to logistics

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logistic ² 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

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

Logistic challenges and weather disruptions in Brazil could still push China to buy more soybeans from the U.S.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

He was most recently the commander of the Central Military Commission's Logistic Support Department, until he retired in January 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

McDonald was an active-duty gunnery sergeant stationed with the Marine Corps Logistic Operations Group in Twentynine Palms, according to the district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2024

There, the pallets will be transferred onto trucks that in turn will be loaded onto two types of smaller Army boats — Logistic Support Vessels, or LSVs, and Landing Craft Utility boats, LCUs.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

Then he passeth forth into the middle den that is called Logistic, to make the intellect and understanding perfect.

From Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus by Steele, Robert