front office


noun

the executive or administrative office of a company, organization, etc.

Origin of front office

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

OTHER WORDS FROM front office

front-of·fice, adjective

Idioms and Phrases with front office

front office

The policy-making or executive individuals in an organization, as in I'll have to check with the front office before I can give you a discount. This term was originally underworld slang for police headquarters or the main detective bureau. It soon was extended to other administrative offices and their personnel. [c. 1900]