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

Ecobank operates in 35 countries across west, central, east, and southern Africa, with its headquarters in Togo. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Roots sells casual apparel, athletic gear and more, and while its headquarters is in Canada, its flagship store is in Michigan, where some Meijer stores operate. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025

Starting Monday, thousands of health-care executives will descend on Epic’s corporate headquarters for the company’s Users Group Meeting, one of its largest annual on-campus events. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025

In the heart of downtown, visitors can tour Temple Square, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and enjoy performances by the Tabernacle Choir. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 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