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

In August, University of Michigan Health leaders broke ground on the health system's approximately $250 million outpatient services and surgical center that is being built on the site of the old Kmart world headquarters in Troy. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 12 Nov. 2025

In addition, the gallery will stage a small recreation of the sculpture studio inside Pucci’s New York City headquarters/gallery. —David Moin, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

The new guide included one two-star restaurant, 10 new one-star restaurants, and three green star restaurants, which the company revealed during an awards ceremony in its North American headquarters of Greenville, South Carolina. —Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2025

Mack was initially arrested in April 2018, after federal authorities in March 2018 raided NXIVM headquarters near Albany. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 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