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 track less than 30 miles from their headquarters in southwest Virginia holds importance to the team, and perhaps none more than this year, as the team celebrates its 75th anniversary. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025

The carrier employs about 5,000 people including 1,800 pilots; 1,300 flight attendants, 700 mechanics and its headquarters staff. —Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Those scenes follow a rushed return to headquarters and field offices around the country after years of telework. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025

The layoffs also included a specific Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility branch at agency headquarters — a group that was expected to be shuttered amid Trump’s directive to eliminate diversity-promoting programs across the federal government. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 24 Mar. 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