English Reference

Word

logistics

Phoneticslo·gis·tics, stress on the second syllable

US/ɫəˈdʒɪstɪks/

UK/lədʒˈɪstɪks/

Definitions

01business and supply chain

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

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

n. 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.

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

“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.

02military operations

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Technical

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

quartermasteringprovisioning

03general organization

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

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

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

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

“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.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “logistics” in context.

01. logistics centres 02. logistics hubs

Real-World Examples

“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
“They are now in the phase of recovering bodies,” said Enrique Zapata, head of logistics at Cali-based health NGO SARES, who has been helping with the emergency response at the Vanessa Building.”
Al Jazeera 17 Aug 2026

Etymology

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.

Word family

NOUN

logistics(B2)

Domains

BusinessMilitary

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference