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 of headquarters

• 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

Inpro’s presence beyond North Carolina Inpro continues to expand outside of the state, unveiling a design center and showroom in its Muskego headquarters in April. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Of course, leading businesses have practiced exactly this kind of expansion for decades, evolving from a central headquarters to operations that are distributed across multiple locations. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego, serves as the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and is home to more than 15,000 Marines, sailors and civilian personnel. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Fire protection software company Uptick recently opened its North American headquarters in Denver after evaluating office space in several cities, including San Diego and Austin, Texas. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 July 2026

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