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

The charity is based at Swinemoor Lane in Beverley, where items are sold to raise money to pay for the logistics of sending aid overseas, while others are used to help local people in need.

Read more on BBC

Frustration boiled over in September when Rajesh Yabaji, CEO of digital trucking logistics platform BlackBuck, announced he was moving his company out of ORR.

Read more on Barron's

“Picture building a small town from nothing and dismantling it in just a few days,” said Marc Lemmermann, head of sales at Rheinmetall’s logistics business.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And before you call me lazy, please remember that I’d be putting the full might of Amazon’s recent logistics and artificial-intelligence spending to work.

Read more on Barron's

The logistics teams only breathe a sigh of relief once every street is clean, the traffic lights are returned, and the pageant of the parade is across the Lincoln Tunnel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• coordination 
• engineering 
• planning 
• strategy