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

For prizes of $50,000 or more, you are required to claim in person at the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 11 Dec. 2025

The restaurant, located conveniently near Duolingo's headquarters, opened in 2023 and has been popular in the community, appearing on several Pittsburgh listicles for the best tacos in the city. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Rupert’s winning film will screen at a future RBIAFF event at AGBO’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025

In North Carolina, Corning has more than 5,000 workers across several manufacturing sites and at its Charlotte headquarters office, home to white-collar workers. —Charlotte Observer, 10 Dec. 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