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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• subheadquarters nounsubheadquarters

Etymology

Origin of headquarters

First recorded in 1640–50; head + quarters

Related Words

• command post
• main office
• nerve center