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

Related Words

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