1. 1. The science and art of using all the forces of a nation to execute approved plans as effectively as possible during peace or war.
   2. The science and art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of large-scale combat operations.
2. A plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal. See synonyms at plan.
3. The art or skill of using stratagems in endeavors such as politics and business.

[French stratégie, from Greek stratēgiā, office of a general, from stratēgos, general. See stratagem.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.