tactics

American  

[tak-tiks] / ˈtæk tɪks /

noun

1. (usually used with a singular verb) the art or science of disposing military or naval forces for battle and maneuvering them in battle.

2. (used with a plural verb) the maneuvers themselves.

3. (used with a singular verb) any mode of procedure for gaining advantage or success.

4. (usually used with a singular verb)

   1. the patterns in which the elements of a given level or stratum in a language may combine to form larger constructions.

   2. the study and description of such patterns.

---

tactics British  

/ ˈtæktɪks /

plural noun

1. (functioning as singular) military the art and science of the detailed direction and control of movement or manoeuvre of forces in battle to achieve an aim or task

2. the manoeuvres used or plans followed to achieve a particular short-term aim

---

Related Words

See strategy.

Other Word Forms

• countertactics noun
• tactician noun

Etymology

Origin of tactics

First recorded in 1620–30; tactic, -ics

Example Sentences

To Jef Caers, a professor of earth and planetary sciences at Stanford University who happens to be Belgian, the museum’s stance looks like “delay tactics.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our tactics continue to focus on deploying thermal drones, along with camera traps and humane traps aimed at tempting Samba out of hiding with favourite foods including melon."

From BBC

"I do a lot towards recruiting the team, making sure the players are fine and on game day, the tactics," says Niko.

From BBC

Unai Emery, in a similar fashion, has opted for tactics that focus less on running and more on maximising his players.

From BBC

In conflicts between two sides that are unmatched militarily, such as wars by terrorists against states, the combatants have very different objectives, methods and tactics.

From The Wall Street Journal