logistics

logistics — noun

1. the process of planning and organizing all the practical details that are needed

1.nounB2
Definition

the process of planning and organizing all the practical details that are needed so that a large event or complex operation runs smoothly

Example

Niran is in charge of the logistics for the company's annual conference.

logistics for [event] — collocation pattern

The wedding logistics involved booking the venue, ordering flowers, and arranging transport for guests.

logistics + involve + gerund list — typical post-modification

Common collocations
  • logistics for
  • logistics of
  • handle logistics
  • coordinate logistics
  • manage logistics
  • event logistics
  • poor logistics
Synonyms
  • planning

    broader and more general; logistics focuses on practical implementation and resource flow

  • coordination

    overlaps significantly but coordination emphasises people and timing; logistics includes supplies and equipment

  • organization

    more general; logistics is specifically about the behind-the-scenes practical details

Grammar Patterns

logistics + of + [activity]

logistics + for + [event]

handle/manage/coordinate + logistics

Usage Note

Logistics is an uncountable noun and usually takes a singular verb. It is commonly followed by 'of' (the logistics of moving house) or 'for' (logistics for the festival).

Common Mistakes

Who will handle the logistic of the trip?
Who will handle the logistics of the trip?
'logistics' is always plural in form, even when referring to a single set of arrangements.

Word family

  • logistic
    adjectiveC1
  • logistical
    adjectiveC1
  • logistically
    adverbC1
  • logistician
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words are often used near logistics but focus on different angles. Planning is the broadest — it covers setting goals and deciding what to do before any action starts, whereas logistics is about executing the practical details. Coordination overlaps with logistics but leans toward managing people and schedules, while logistics also covers supplies, equipment, and physical movement. Organization is the most general term and can refer to abstract structures, systems, or people; logistics is narrower and hands-on. Management implies authority over people and resources with decision-making power, whereas logistics is often the operational side of carrying out those decisions. For example, you 'plan' a wedding and 'manage' the budget, but you 'handle the logistics' of seating, catering delivery, and transportation.

planningcoordinationorganizationmanagement

Common collocations

Nouns

  • event
  • wedding
  • conference
  • concert
  • supply chain

Adverbs

  • carefully
  • poorly
  • efficiently

Phrases

  • in charge of logistics
  • logistics team
  • logistics company

Prepositions

  • of
  • for

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word entered English through French 'logistique', which originally referred to the quartering and movement of troops in military operations. That French term came from Latin 'logisticus' (relating to calculation), which itself came from Greek 'logistikos' (skilled in calculating), based on 'logistos' (skilled in reasoning). For centuries logistics was strictly a military term; it was only in the mid-20th century that the word broadened to cover the planning and organization of any large, complex activity.