headquarters

1 of 2

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

headquarters

2 of 2

third person singular of headquarter

Synonyms of headquarters

Noun

• seat
• center

Examples of headquarters in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

The Iron Gate task force, made up of about 20 personnel, is based in Tampa, where Centcom’s main headquarters is located. — Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Imogene + Willie has witnessed this in its Cotton Project, which brings farmers, mills and makers within a 400-mile radius of the brand’s Nashville headquarters together to create T-shirts and jeans. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Pan Am’s Miami headquarters first opened in 1964, sat empty for 15 years, and was slated for demolition before PS restored it. — Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

In Ireland, the Dublin headquarters of national broadcaster RTE was evacuated Friday after a bomb threat, and live broadcasts were replaced with pre-recorded programs. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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