headquarters

[hed-kwawr-terz, -kwaw-]

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

/ 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 noun subheadquarters

Word History and Origins

Origin of headquarters¹

First recorded in 1640–50; head + quarters

Example Sentences

And at a conference at Walmart’s headquarters last month, executives from both companies said AI would significantly change the job market.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Baha'i faith, whose global headquarters are in Israel, claims more than seven million followers worldwide.

Read more on Barron's

Publishers and broadcasters that don’t sign the policy will lose regular press access to its headquarters building.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

Read more on BBC

David Doherty was standing at his desk inside the Los Angeles headquarters of the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• command post 
• main office www.thesaurus.com
• nerve center