Headquarters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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headquarters
[ˈhɛdˌkwɔrtərz ]
Definitions
business
The main office or center of operations for a company or organization.
Synonyms
central office, head office, main office.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| headquarters |
Generally refers to the main control center of an organization or operation, often used in military, corporate, or governmental contexts.
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| main office |
Describes the primary office of an organization, which is often the largest and most important office where major decisions are made.
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| central office |
Used to describe the main administrative center of an organization or institution, especially in educational, governmental, or large corporate contexts.
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| head office |
Refers to the main office of a company where the top management and key administrative functions are located. Commonly used in British English.
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Examples of usage
- The company's headquarters is located in New York City.
- All major decisions are made at the headquarters.
- He works at the headquarters of a multinational corporation.
military
The location where the commanding officers of a military organization are based.
Synonyms
base of operations, command center.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| headquarters |
This term is often used in formal or business settings to describe the main office or the primary location of an organization. It is commonly used for both corporate and military contexts.
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| command center |
This term is frequently used to describe a central location from which operations are directed and coordinated, especially in military or emergency response situations.
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| base of operations |
This phrase is typically used in contexts where the primary location serves as a central hub for various activities, often in military, exploratory, or large-scale project scenarios.
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Examples of usage
- The general's headquarters were well fortified.
- The attack was directed from the enemy's headquarters.
- The headquarters of the battalion was set up in a secure area.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Business
- Large corporations often establish their headquarters in major cities due to better access to resources and talent.
- Silicon Valley is home to many tech company headquarters, reflecting its status as a hub of innovation.
History
- Headquarters can be found in significant historical military events, impacting strategies and outcomes of battles.
- During World War II, key headquarters were set up in countries like England, to plan operations against enemy forces.
Culture
- The headquarters of a company often reflects its brand's culture, with modern buildings showcasing open spaces and collaboration.
- Famous headquarters like the Apple Park resemble a spaceship, highlighting creativity and forward-thinking.
Art and Literature
- Headquarters often serve as settings in novels and films, representing power and the drama of decision-making.
- In art, buildings representing headquarters can symbolize authority and responsibility, often depicted in grand styles.
Origin of 'headquarters'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'headquarters' combines 'head' (the leader) and 'quarters' (a place), originated in military terminology.
- The term was first used to describe the main place where military leaders would operate and coordinate strategies.
The word 'headquarters' originated in the late 17th century, combining 'head' and 'quarters'. It was initially used in a military context to refer to the location where the head of a military unit was stationed. Over time, the term expanded to also include the main office or central base of operations for businesses and organizations.
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