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

Stick around the Theodore Payne headquarters for a plant doubleheader. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Capital One’s McLean, Virginia, headquarters is a long way from Chicago’s South Side. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Teefey, who is married with a teenage daughter, reportedly frequently slept inside her office at the company’s West Hollywood headquarters, watched sitcoms during the workday as takeout boxes drew flies and appeared intoxicated at work. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

At the Corning headquarters, Five Rivers will continue to produce G&H Decoys, alongside three other brands Five Rivers acquired in 2025, including Dogg Company, Deception Decoys and Herbert's Custom Decoy Rigs, the news release stated. — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 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