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

Shooting for the series took place in Los Angeles, Milan, Cannes and Dubai, as well as at the company’s headquarters in Bottrop, Germany, where Brabus has developed and built high-end supercars, motorcycles and boats since 1977. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026

When The Athletic visited Williams’ headquarters in early January, much of the team had just returned to work after the winter shutdown enforced by F1’s regulations. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

He was assigned to Troop L in Litchfield, Troop H in Hartford and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection headquarters in Middletown. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Several executives made the trip from the company headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee, to plead their case. —Matthew Kelly february 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 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