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

• command
• seat

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

Marco’s Pizza was founded in 1978 and has its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024

Esprit’s headquarters moved from San Francisco to Ratingen, near Düsseldorf, years ago, while factory, sourcing and financial operations have been situated in Hong Kong, where the company has been listed on the stock exchange since 1993. —David Moin, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024

The biggest opposition party, United National Movement, said its headquarters came under attack on polling day. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Oct. 2024

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike on his underground headquarters in Beirut in September. —Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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