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

• 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

In its Columbus headquarters, Apex has grown to over 300 producing agents without external funding or independent recruiting firms. —William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

In the meantime, Ogaard will decide whether to build a new headquarters for the bank on the site. —Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025

In April, the luxury brand officially opened a new manufacturing facility in Valenza, Italy, Bulgari’s headquarters and a jewelry manufacturing center of equal importance to Vicenza. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The strike targeted the residential headquarters of several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Doha, according to Qatar. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 10 Sep. 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