What does logistics mean?
Logistics is the planning and management of how people, goods, services, and information move and are organized. It includes activities such as transportation, warehousing, inventory control, procurement, delivery, and the coordination of people and equipment. The word is especially common in business, military, government, emergency-response, and event-planning contexts. Although its plural-looking ending can make it sound unusual, logistics is generally used as a singular mass noun: one discusses the logistics of an operation rather than saying that an operation has multiple logistics. The term is also used more broadly to describe the practical organization behind any complex undertaking. Its interesting history lies in the contrast between its original meaning and its modern use: the word once referred broadly to reasoning and the science of logic, while today it usually concerns the efficient and reliable movement of resources.
nounThe organization and management of the movement, storage, and supply of people, goods, materials, and information. In a broader sense, it refers to the coordinated planning and execution of complex operations.
- The planning, organization, and management of the movement and storage of people, goods, materials, and information.
- The coordinated arrangement of personnel, equipment, supplies, and procedures required for an operation or event.
"The company invested heavily in logistics so that products could reach customers quickly and reliably."
"Careful logistics ensured that emergency supplies reached the region before the storm arrived."
"The logistics of holding an international conference involved coordinating travel, accommodation, translation, and equipment."
Typically used as a singular mass noun; it does not have a separate regular plural form.
"The logistics for the festival were completed weeks before the event."
The word originally referred to the art of reasoning, but today it often concerns the art of getting everything to the right place at the right time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does logistics come from?
The word comes through French logistique from Greek logistics, a term associated with the art of calculating or reasoning. Greek logistics derives from logos, meaning reason or account, and is related to logic and logical. In later use, the word developed the modern sense of organizing movement and the practical management of operations.
Related word forms
How logistics is actually used
Although it ends in -s, the word is normally treated as a singular mass noun in standard English. In military and institutional contexts, it can refer specifically to the movement and support of personnel, supplies, and equipment.