B2noun2K

Headquarters

UK /["/ˌhedˈkwɔːtəz/"]/US /["/ˈhedkwɔːrtərz/"]/

Definition

a place from which an organization or a military operation is controlled; the people who work there

In simple words: The main office of a company or organization.

Examples

  • The firm’s headquarters is/are in London.
  • Several companies have their headquarters in the area.
  • I'm now based at headquarters.
  • police headquarters
  • Headquarters in Dublin has/have agreed.
  • She works at the company's headquarters.
  • The company has set up its European headquarters in the UK.
  • They're very worried about this at headquarters.
  • There seems to be a rift between party headquarters and Downing Street.

Usage notes

Typically used in business contexts to refer to the main location where a company's management works. It's appropriate in both spoken and written communication but might sound too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'head' being at the 'quarters' where decisions are made.

Collocations

  • international
  • local
  • national
  • have
  • build
  • establish
  • be located
  • at (the) headquarters

Synonyms

  • main office
  • central office
  • main branch
  • head office

Antonyms

  • branch
  • outpost
  • subsidiary
  • field office

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'headquarter' which is incorrect for singular.
  • Omitting 'the' when referring to a specific headquarters.
  • Mispronouncing the word with incorrect stress on syllables.