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

Ruiz presidential campaign, leaves a campaign meeting at the headquarters in Mexico City. —Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2024

Micron broke ground on the fab at its headquarters campus in late 2022. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2024

The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles has announced a massive renovation of its headquarters in downtown L.A. Plans call for the creation of a 299-seat, multimedia and live performing arts and community center. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024

Last year, Giménez and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill prohibiting Cuban officials from touring U.S. port facilities after news that a Cuban Interior Ministry delegation was scheduled to visit the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the port in Wilmington, North Carolina. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 May 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