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

Cardinal Timothy Dolan previously said the church sold the archdiocese's headquarters on First Avenue in Manhattan, laid off staff and reduced the operating budget by 10%. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Midtown office buildings One of the most recognizable locations in the film is 1221 Avenue of the Americas, a 51-story tower in Midtown Manhattan that served as the exterior for the fictional Runway magazine headquarters in the original 2006 film. —Kelly McGreal , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Negotiations resumed Wednesday afternoon at a location considered more secure than district headquarters. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Jeffrey Stewart, chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors, said the redevelopment is a vital piece of revitalizing the neighborhood, alongside plans by Greater Hartford Gives for its new headquarters on a pivotal corner in Clay Arsenal, seen as forming as connection with downtown. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 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