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noun Common

logistics

luh-JIHS-tihks

Logistics (noun) means the detailed planning and coordination needed to move goods, people, or resources efficiently. Example: “The charity handled the logistics of getting aid to the disaster zone.”

noun
1
The detailed planning and coordination needed to move goods, people, or resources efficiently.
"The charity handled the logistics of getting aid to the disaster zone."
"We still need to sort out the logistics of the move."

How to Use Logistics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe practical planning behind making something happen — transport, supplies, timing, and coordination.

Common pairings
sort out the logistics supply-chain logistics logistics company
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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity handled the _____ of getting aid to the disaster zone.

Etymology

From French logistique, coined around 1830 by Antoine-Henri Jomini from logis ("lodging"), originally referring to the organisation of troop quarters and supplies.

Origin: French · First attested 1830

Class of 1830 logistics joined the language around 1830.
See the full Class of 1830 →

Related Words

Rhymes for logistics

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “logistics” mean?

The word “logistics” means the detailed planning and coordination needed to move goods, people, or resources efficiently. In plain terms, the practical planning behind making something happen — transport, supplies, timing, and coordination.

How do you pronounce “logistics”?

“Logistics” is pronounced luh-JIHS-tihks (/ləˈd͡ʒɪstɪks/ in IPA).

How do you use “logistics” in a sentence?

Here is “logistics” used in a sentence: “The charity handled the logistics of getting aid to the disaster zone.”

What part of speech is “logistics”?

“Logistics” is a noun.

Where does the word “logistics” come from?

The word “logistics” dates back to around 1830 and comes from French. From French logistique, coined around 1830 by Antoine-Henri Jomini from logis ("lodging"), originally referring to the organisation of troop quarters and supplies.

Is “logistics” a common word?

“Logistics” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?

Logistics refers to the detailed planning and coordination needed to move goods, people, or resources efficiently, often focused on transportation and storage. Supply chain management is a broader concept covering the entire process from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, of which logistics is one part.

Is logistics singular or plural in grammar?

Despite ending in -s, logistics is typically treated as a singular uncountable noun, as in "logistics is a major challenge for the company." It behaves like other -ics fields such as economics or mathematics.

Which industries rely on logistics?

Logistics is essential to any industry that needs to move goods, people, or resources efficiently, including retail, manufacturing, shipping, and event planning. It covers the planning and coordination behind getting things where they need to be.

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