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

The Fondazione Prada, which has its headquarters in a Milan arts center that has a bar designed by Wes Anderson, has long been active in the film sphere. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 May 2025

The logo for consumer lending firm Capital One Financial Corp. is seen on its headquarters in McLean, Virginia, on Jan. 20. 2023. —Ali McCadden, CNBC, 14 May 2025

This article has been corrected to reflect accurate company locations and employee count as well as details of the Campbell's Company headquarters. —Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

The company, which has its U.S. headquarters in Florida, is the exclusive North American distributor of the Karsan eJest. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 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