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

Seventy-two hours before her debut, with the sky turning purple outside Marni’s headquarters, Rogge is in the studio with her stylist, the Brit Tamara Rothstein, who’s best known for her work with Martine Rose, waiting for the last bits of the collection to be delivered. —Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2026

With headquarters in downtown San Francisco, Sunrun touts on its website that the company has 10,800 employees in more than 5,000 cities in 22 states and 46 physical locations. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

The company currently has about 180 employees, 100 of whom are located at the company’s Austin headquarters at the corner of West Sixth Street and Congress Avenue. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026

Last week, Robb Report became the first media outlet to take a flight aboard the 600E at Embraer Executive Jets’s headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, following a presentation by officials regarding the aircraft’s key features. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 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