logistics

noun

lo·​gis·​tics lō-ˈji-stiks 

lə-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: the aspect of military science dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of military matériel, facilities, and personnel

2

: the handling of the details of an operation

the logistics of a political campaign

Did you know?

How are logistics and logic related?

Logistics follows the same pattern of other plural nouns—such as ballistics, linguistics, statistics, or physics—that represent fields of study and take either a singular or plural verb.

Logic, used strictly in the singular, is a science that deals with the formal principles of reason. If a visitor walks in the house with a wet umbrella, it is logical for one to assume that it is raining outside. Logistics, which involves such concerns as the delivery of personnel or supplies in an efficient manner, can often employ logic, such as by reasoning out the path least likely to interrupt the flow of a delivery:

As with many other areas of the economy, the digital revolution is having a profound effect on delivery logistics. The combination of mobile computing, analytics, and cloud services, all of which are fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), is changing how delivery and fulfillment companies are conducting their operations.
—Andrew Meola, Business Insider, 14 Oct. 2016

Both logic and logistics ultimately derive from the Greek logos, meaning "reason." But while logic derives directly from Greek, logistics took a longer route, first passing into French as logistique, meaning "art of calculating," and then into English from there.

Examples of logistics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Look for a partner that provides end-to-end logistics capabilities, such as inventory management, warehouse storage and final-mile delivery. —Brian Enright, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

This is the first startup from Dave Clark, who's widely credited with building Amazon's logistics network. —Dan Primack, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024

Washington should maintain only enough ground combat units to enable the U.S. military to serve as a logistics provider of last resort for European armies and only enough of a naval and air presence to secure vital sea-lanes. —Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Mar. 2023

One way logistics companies can begin to leverage AI in this area is to prioritize risk analysis of any new components or processes. —Anar Mammadov, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French logistique art of calculating, logistics, from Greek logistikē art of calculating, from feminine of logistikos of calculation, from logizein to calculate, from logos reason

First Known Use

circa 1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

logistics

singular or plural noun

lo·​gis·​tics lō-ˈjis-tiks 

: a branch of military science that deals with the transporting, housing, and supplying of troops

logistic

-tik

adjective

or logistical

-ti-kəl