headquarters

American  

[hed-kwawr-terz, -kwaw-] / ˈhɛdˌkwɔr tərz, -ˌkwɔ- /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

plural

headquarters

1. a center of operations, as of the police or a business, from which orders are issued; the chief administrative office of an organization.

   The operatives were always in touch with headquarters.

2. the offices or working location of a military commander; the place from which a commander customarily issues orders.

3. a military unit consisting of the commander, his staff, and other assistants.

---

headquarters British  

/ ˌhɛdˈkwɔːtəz /

plural noun

1. any centre or building from which operations are directed, as in the military, the police, etc

2. a military formation comprising the commander, his staff, and supporting echelons

---

Other Word Forms

• subheadquarters nounsubheadquarters

Etymology

Origin of headquarters

First recorded in 1640–50; head + quarters

Example Sentences

Kroger officials have said they wanted to look for a candidate outside the walls of the company’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters who could bring a fresh perspective to the grocer.

From The Wall Street Journal

For example, the Washington headquarters of the Fed are named after Marriner Eccles, who was Fed chairman for 14 years, 1934-1948.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fresh from an election win that far surpassed expectations, Thailand's prime minister sat casually on the floor of a conference room at his party headquarters Sunday, joking with reporters before getting up to declare victory.

From Barron's

McSweeney then joined Labour under Tony Blair, working in a junior role at the party's headquarters.

From BBC

And she went to Londonderry where she visited both the Museum of Free Derry and the headquarters of the Apprentice Boys.

From BBC

Related Words

• command post
• main office
• nerve center