English Reference
noun

logistics

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

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    quartermasteringprovisioning
  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Usage logistics centres · logistics hubs

Ukraine has also pursued medium-range strikes on Russian military logistics and Russian oil tankers, starving the front line of weapons and fuel.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the company, known as Russia's version of Amazon, and says that seven out of 10 of the largest Wildberries logistics centres have been "disabled".

BBC News· 18 Aug 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French logistique
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated