What does "logistics" mean?

1. (business and supply chain) the business of moving goods and information from where they are made to where they are used. 2. (military operations) the practical task of providing soldiers with food, equipment, and a way to move around. 3. (general organization) the practical details that must be organized for a complicated event to happen.

How do you use "logistics"?

Usually treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending. Often used in the context of large-scale troop movements or long-term deployments. Frequently used in the plural to refer to specific tasks or challenges.

logistics

US //ɫəˈdʒɪstɪks// UK //lədʒˈɪstɪks// lo·gis·tics

1 business and supply chain (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the business of moving goods and information from where they are made to where they are used.

the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet requirements of customers or corporations.

Example

The company is looking for a manager to handle the logistics of their international shipping.

Example

Efficient logistics are essential for e-commerce giants that promise next-day delivery across vast geographical regions.

Usage

Usually treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending.
2 military operations (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

the practical task of providing soldiers with food, equipment, and a way to move around.

the branch of military science having to do with procuring, maintaining, and transporting material, personnel, and facilities.

Example

The army failed because they didn't plan the logistics of getting food to the front lines.

Example

Historians argue that the campaign was won not by superior firepower, but by the superior logistics that kept the troops supplied throughout the winter.

Usage

Often used in the context of large-scale troop movements or long-term deployments.
- quartermastering
- provisioning

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3 general organization (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the practical details that must be organized for a complicated event to happen.

the practical arrangements and coordination required for any complex event or activity.

Example

We need to figure out the logistics of getting everyone to the wedding on time.

Example

The logistics of moving a three-hundred-person film crew to a remote desert location proved to be a nightmare for the production team.

Usage

Frequently used in the plural to refer to specific tasks or challenges.

Origin

From French logistique, coined or popularized 1830 by Antoine-Henri Jomini from logis (“lodging place”), in phrases maréchal des logis (“marshall of lodging”) (see maréchal des logis), major-général des logis (“major-general of lodging”). Possibly influenced by existing mathematical term logistique, of Ancient Greek origin; see logistic.