strategy

noun
strat·​e·​gy | \ ˈstra-tə-jē How to pronounce strategy (audio) \
plural strategies

Definition of strategy

1a(1) : the science and art of employing the political, economic, psychological, and military forces of a nation or group of nations to afford the maximum support to adopted policies in peace or war
(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
2a : a careful plan or method : a clever stratagem
b : the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal
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

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web

Experts have said that Washington’s interest in Greenland is likely part of a broader strategy to better compete with Russia and China in the strategically important region. Washington Post, "Trump might not be able to buy Greenland, but he could open a consulate there," 24 Aug. 2019 An example of a comprehensive adaption strategy is the work of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. Yossi Sheffi, The Conversation, "Removing mini-shampoos from hotel rooms won’t save the environment," 23 Aug. 2019 The line announced Thursday is part of Tiffany’s strategy to attract younger shoppers and pump up sales, which have been dampened by a decline in spending by tourists from China and elsewhere. Anne D’innocenzio, BostonGlobe.com, "Bro bling: Tiffany introduces men’s jewelry collection," 23 Aug. 2019 Also coming Monday: The next installment of our assessment of Pac-12 media strategy. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Hotline newsletter: Our plan for Saturday nights, season previews roll, Scott talks DTV, early kickoffs shelved and more," 23 Aug. 2019 Those numbers drove a change in strategy at the CBA, which, according to its 2018 Securities and Exchange Commission filings, has begun promoting Kona as a national and global brand and focusing the other breweries on their own regions. oregonlive.com, "Anheuser-Busch opts not to buy Portland’s Craft Brew Alliance," 23 Aug. 2019 Germany stands to benefit from both prongs of this strategy. The Economist, "Germany needs fiscal stimulus. Here’s how to do it," 22 Aug. 2019 There are plenty of strategies for amping up flavor without making your sandwich heftier. Becky Krystal, The Denver Post, "How to upgrade your sandwich with clever twists on 5 classics," 22 Aug. 2019 In New York-Penn League All-Star Toby Welk and Aberdeen hitting coach Tom Eller, the Orioles have the fruits of a sprawling draft coverage strategy. Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ D-III draftee Toby Welk, Juco hitting coach Tom Eller showing ‘opportunities are in unusual places’," 21 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strategy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of strategy

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

History and Etymology for strategy

Greek stratēgia generalship, from stratēgos

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More Definitions for strategy

strategy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of strategy

: a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time
: the skill of making or carrying out plans to achieve a goal

strategy

noun
strat·​e·​gy | \ ˈstra-tə-jē How to pronounce strategy (audio) \
plural strategies

Kids Definition of strategy

: a carefully developed plan or method for achieving a goal or the skill in developing and undertaking such a plan or method We learned strategies for improving business.

strategy

noun
strat·​e·​gy | \ ˈstrat-ə-jē How to pronounce strategy (audio) \
plural strategies

Medical Definition of strategy

: 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

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