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logistics

loh-JIS-tiks /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/

nounC1GREGMATCAT

formalmilitarybusiness

The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation, especially the movement and maintenance of military forces or commercial goods.

In business, it refers to supply chains; in the military, it encompasses everything from moving troops to supplying ammunition, food, and medical care.

The story behind the word. Coined by Swiss military theorist Antoine-Henri Jomini in 1838, 'logistics' comes from the French 'logistique'. It traces back to 'logis' (lodging), as the original 'maréchal des logis' was the officer responsible for finding quarters and organizing the army's movement.

Word relationships

supply chain management: Supply chain management is a modern business term focusing on commercial goods, while logistics is broader and historically military.
organization: Organization is a general term for arranging things, whereas logistics specifically deals with the movement and supply of resources.

Commonly confused with

strategy: Strategy is the overall plan for victory, while logistics is the physical means of moving and supplying the forces to execute that plan.

Word family

logistical (adjective): Relating to the organization and movement of resources.
logistically (adverb): In a manner that relates to logistics.

Collocations

military logistics
logistics nightmare
logistics network

Example sentences

"The logistics of supplying an army of that size across the desert proved to be an insurmountable challenge." A historical analysis of military strategy.
"The company hired a new director to oversee the logistics of their international distribution network." A business report on global shipping.

Memory hook

Think of 'lodging' and 'statistics'. You need statistics to manage the lodging and supplies of thousands of troops. Moving and housing the masses.

When not to use

Do not use for simple, single-step tasks like buying a single item at a store.

Fun facts

General Dwight D. Eisenhower once remarked that 'You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics.'