headquarters
UK: ˌhedˈkwɔː.təz | US: ˈhedˌkwɔːr.t̬ɚz
n. the main office or center of operations of an organization, especially a military or business entity
n. (military) the place where commanding officers are stationed
headquarters = head<chief> + quarters<lodgings>
- head (from Old English hēafod, meaning "top, chief, or leader")
- quarters (from Latin quartarius, via Old French quartier, meaning "a fourth part," later generalized to "assigned lodgings")
Etymology Origin:
The word headquarters emerged in the early 17th century, combining head (denoting leadership) with quarters (referring to assigned living or working spaces). Originally used in military contexts for the commander's lodgings, it later expanded to corporate and organizational centers. The logic reflects the "chief" (head) location where operations are managed (quarters).
The company's headquarters are located in New York.
The general summoned all officers to the headquarters for a briefing.
Protesters gathered outside the police headquarters.
The startup moved its headquarters to a larger building.
The team discussed the merger at the corporate headquarters.