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

The move consolidates the company’s fast-food admin into two global headquarters, with the other one in Irvine, Calif., housing Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025

That means roughly 100 KFC corporate workers will move to Plano in the next six months from the brand’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. —Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

The campaign-style speech at the Department of Health and Human Services headquarters was intended for staff only, although a livestream link was circulated. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025

Cantor Fitzgerald’s corporate headquarters was located on several floors near the top of the north tower, and every single employee who came to work that day was killed in the attack, 658 in all, which made up more than 68% of the firm’s total workforce. —Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Feb. 2025

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