strategy

noun

strat·​e·​gy ˈstra-tə-jē 

plural strategies

1

a

: a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time

This has proven to be an ironclad success strategy for our team and for our clients.

—Scott Curran

What went into the strategy and promotion of the show was also key.

—Griselda Flores

b

: the art of devising or employing plans or methods toward a goal

The production of mezcal involves a process that requires craftwork, strategy, and patience.

—Basem Wasef

2

a(1)

: the science and art of employing the political, economic, psychological, and military forces of a nation or group of nations to provide the maximum support of adopted policies in peace or war

Military strategy is officially defined as the highest level in the field of military art, constituting a system of scientific knowledge concerning the phenomena and laws of armed conflict. By definition, military strategy is wholly concerned with the problems that armed conflict presents to a nation as a whole.

—William Baxter

(2)

: the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions

b

: a variety of or instance of the use of strategy

3

: an adaptation or complex of adaptations (as of behavior, metabolism, or structure) that serves or appears to serve an important function in achieving evolutionary success

foraging strategies of insects

Synonyms of strategy

• plan
• blueprint
• program
• scheme

Examples of strategy in a Sentence

They are proposing a new strategy for treating the disease with a combination of medications.

The government is developing innovative strategies to help people without insurance get medical care.

a specialist in campaign strategy

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of its defense strategy, Ukraine has used their homemade drones to attack fuel depots and refineries in Russia. — Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Raman, who had supported the program, became a critic of it and touted a less expensive strategy that itself has been criticized for its slow pace, as Times City Hall reporter Noah Goldberg wrote in August. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Vaccarello, who most recently served as the company’s executive vice president, Live, will oversee the strategy and operations of MSG Entertainment’s portfolio of live experiences. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The right choice depends on the treatment area, the amount of existing hair, donor quality and the strategy preferred by the medical team. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek stratēgia generalship, from stratēgos

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing strategy

• counter-strategy
• exit strategy

Kids Definition

strategy

noun

strat·​e·​gy ˈstrat-ə-jē 

plural strategies

1

: the science and art of employing the forces of a country in peace or war

especially : the science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under favorable conditions

2

a

: a careful plan or method

b

: the art of making or employing plans or tricks to achieve a goal

Medical Definition

strategy

noun

strat·​e·​gy ˈstrat-ə-jē 

plural strategies

: an adaptation or complex of adaptations (as of behavior, metabolism, or structure) that serves or appears to serve an important function in achieving evolutionary success