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

The Central Bank of Iraq’s new headquarters represents a bittersweet homecoming for Zaha Hadid. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026

ViaSat Viasat offices are shown at the company's headquarters in Carlsbad, California, on March 9, 2022. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025

The person of interest, a 44-year-old San Pablo man who was a co-worker of the victim, walked up to San Pablo police officers who were talking to someone else in the parking lot of their department’s headquarters. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

For prizes of $50,000 or more, you are required to claim in person at the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 30 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