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, 17 Dec. 2025

The airline’s headquarters and hub meant a devoted following and employment base. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025

At Sysco's massive facilities, like the Houston headquarters, cases of pre-cut vegetables and pallets of non-perishables fill shelves that stretch more than 50 feet high, ready to be shipped out to restaurants across the country. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025

Start your trip by checking into The Liberty Trust in Downtown Roanoke; the 54-key boutique property is housed in the former historic First National Bank headquarters and provides guests with a range of comfortable amenities (note the Molton Brown bath products). —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 16 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