headquarters

head-quar-ters · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The main offices or center of operations of an organization, business, or military force.

  2. 2.

    The place from which a commander controls military operations.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    set up headquarters — to establish a main base of operations
  • •
    corporate headquarters — the main office of a company

Related words

Antonyms: branch office
See also: base, center, command, office
Synonyms: base, central office, hq, main office

Etymology

A compound of head (meaning "chief" or "main") and quarters (meaning "lodgings" or "place of residence"). Originally a military term from the 17th century referring to the location of a commanding officer.