headquarters

noun

head·​quar·​ters ˈhed-ˌkwȯ(r)-tərz 

-ˌkȯr-,

(ˈ)hed-ˈkwȯ(r),

-ˈkȯr-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: a place from which a commander performs the functions of command

2

: the administrative center of an enterprise

Synonyms

• seat
• center

Examples of headquarters in a Sentence

the headquarters of the newly established United States government was in New York City, the nation's first capital

the scout went straight to the large tent in the center of the camp, correctly assuming that it served as the division's headquarters

Recent Examples on the Web

While 20-year-old goalkeeper Beadle, a Londoner, was signed at age 17 from Charlton Athletic in the January 2022 transfer window, Hinshelwood was born in Worthing — four miles from where his journey began as an under-seven at Brighton’s training headquarters in Lancing. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 June 2025

In 2021, the center completed a $1.35 million renovation of its headquarters building at 1283 Main St, creating 10 rentals and 2,500 square feet of storefront space. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025

The slate includes 11 practice sessions open to fans at their Halas Hall headquarters. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

Aerial view of the headquarters of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) on February 6, 2025 in Ningde, Fujian Province of China. —Dylan Butts,sam Meredith, CNBC, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headquarters

• exporters
• hindquarters
• importers
• reporters
• supporters
• transporters
• mortars
• porters
• quarters
• sorters

Kids Definition

headquarters

singular or plural noun

head·​quar·​ters ˈhed-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ərz 

(ˈ)hed-ˈkwȯ(r)t-ərz

1

: a place from which a commander exercises command

2

: the governing and directing center of an organization