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

The subpoena is linked to Powell’s testimony regarding a multiyear renovation of the Federal Reserve’s Washington headquarters.

From Barron's

It stems from Powell’s testimony last year about a multiyear renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

From Barron's

It stems from Powell’s testimony last year about a multiyear renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

From Barron's

Pulte and others have dug into the Fed’s headquarters renovation, a process that apparently led to the new probe of Powell.

From Barron's

Its red bull’s-eye symbol adorns Target Field, the Target Center arena and the downtown Target Plaza complex that houses the retailer’s headquarters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• command post
• main office
• nerve center