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

Israel began demolishing the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem Tuesday, following passage of a law that banned the activities of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. —Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026

The search process has been upended by a Department of Justice investigation into Chair Powell centered on renovations at the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026

Clicking the wheel leads fans to a mobile phone number for the star’s headquarters. —Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

With headquarters in Albany, NY, the international pharmaceutical manufacturing company runs operations across North America, Europe, and India. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 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