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

• command
• seat

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

Base camp will be at Charlotte FC's headquarters, Atrium Health Performance Park, in east Charlotte. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025

Dozens protested outside Kellogg's headquarters in Michigan, and more than 400,000 people signed a petition asking the food manufacturer to change its operations, the Associated Press reported. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

New collections merit fresh explorations, which is what unfolds at this engaging installation at the courtyard of Palazzo Cortile della Seta, Loro Piana’s Milan headquarters. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

That gives it a lot to work with when putting on exhibits for the public in its LoDo headquarters. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 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