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; -ics

Example Sentences

An immigrant from Vietnam, she worked in logistics, ensuring that the company’s facilities had the necessary parts to keep operating, earning almost $27 an hour in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal

In April, the PLA inaugurated what it called a logistics and training center at a naval base in Cambodia.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the port, cargo is spoiling because without electricity some containers can’t be unloaded from ships, according to a logistics worker there.

From The Wall Street Journal

An American tourist called Dorothy said she wasn't worried about visiting Angkor as she was clued in to travel logistics and border rules, saying she felt "very safe".

From Barron's

This includes drug discovery, materials science, logistics optimization and breaking every password ever created.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• coordination
• engineering
• planning
• strategy