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

Sonny Styles walked into an auditorium at the Washington Commanders’ headquarters on Friday afternoon and did something unusual for a new professional football player. —Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026

The French inherited the building that now serves as their temporary headquarters from a Spanish detachment. —ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

On Thursday, April 23, the Prince of Wales stepped out for a solo visit to the headquarters of the British Formula E team, Jaguar TCS Racing. —Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

Miami-Dade commissioners on Thursday handed Kelly Tractor another setback in the company’s fight to win Miami-Dade approval to build a headquarters outside the county’s development zone. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 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