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

Wolters Kluwer's global headquarters in Alphen aan den Rijn, South Holland, The Netherlands, are pictured above. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Hundreds were seen leaving flowers and bible verses at the TPUSA headquarters in Tempe. —Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025

The McKim building has served as the library headquarters since 1895, and features murals by the likes of John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey. —Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025

Once the wholesale distribution is consolidated, Raponi said the goal is to open the brand’s first retail store in Milan, where the company is also eyeing to set up a headquarters. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 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