front office

American  

noun

1. the executive or administrative office of a company, organization, etc.

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front office Idioms  

1. The policy-making or executive individuals in an organization, as in I'll have to check with the front office before I can give you a discount. This term was originally underworld slang for police headquarters or the main detective bureau. It soon was extended to other administrative offices and their personnel. [c. 1900]

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• front-office
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of front office

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Since Walter, the controlling owner of the Dodgers, became the majority owner of the Lakers in October, the Lakers have gradually reshaped front office and business operations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

In the first offseason under Mark Walter’s ownership, the Lakers will undergo several changes in their front office and with the organization’s infrastructure while trying to keep pace in the ever-evolving NBA.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Then, if all goes according to plan, the Rams’ front office won’t have to slog through a rebuild once Stafford is gone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Snead’s daughter attends USC, and his son works in USC’s football front office.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

It was a huge building with a front office that connected to a large back structure two stories high.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez