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

New York — At the base of the world’s most slender skyscraper, stretching high above Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan, Bonhams will relocate its American headquarters next month. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

Minneapolis has more large company headquarters per capita than any city in the country. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

In addition to the pause of NTx Bio’s plant, the former Electronic Data Systems campus that was planned to be the center of the district will now become AT&T’s new global headquarters in 2028. —Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026

For prizes of $50,000 or more, you are required to claim in person at the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 27 Jan. 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