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

The development of the shipping container industry has simplified the logistics of exporting an entire vehicle.

From BBC

Despite concerns over the logistics of a multi-location ceremony, it was an impressive production that went off without a hitch.

From BBC

These days, the transports index is home to companies in the real-world businesses of logistics, shipping and air travel.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Dow Jones Transportation Average of logistics firms and airlines has also jumped, a signal to market technicians that the move higher has room to run.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Aug. 25, he emailed Gates, Cohen and Nikolic saying “I fear that another face to face will be needed before closing,” and pressed regarding the financial logistics: “who pays, ? who is obligated.?”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• coordination
• engineering
• planning
• strategy