headquarters

1 of 2

noun

head·​quar·​ters ˈhed-ˌkwȯ(r)-tərz How to pronounce headquarters (audio)
-ˌkȯr-, 
(ˈ)hed-ˈkwȯ(r), 
-ˈkȯr-
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
Synonyms of headquartersnext
1
: a place from which a commander performs the functions of command
2
: the administrative center of an enterprise

headquarters

2 of 2

third person singular of headquarter

Synonyms of headquarters

Examples of headquarters in a Sentence

Noun 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Coming in 2030 will be a proud fusion of iconic Kansas City brands and institutions, enabled by a partnership with Hallmark that starts with razing its headquarters to accommodate the stadium district footprint. — Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 But this December, the organization will enter a new era with the opening of its new headquarters, Dreamville. — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles firefighters Jason Powell and Freddy Escobar have a history, and on Friday that apparently led to an altercation at their union’s headquarters. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Split into tailoring and flou sections, the workshop sits under a vast glass skylight at the heart of the historic Hôtel Colbert de Torcy, the 17th-century mansion where Celine established its headquarters in 2014. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headquarters

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headquarters was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headquarters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headquarters. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

headquarters

singular or plural noun
head·​quar·​ters ˈhed-ˌkwȯ(r)t-ərz How to pronounce headquarters (audio)
(ˈ)hed-ˈkwȯ(r)t-ərz
1
: a place from which a commander exercises command
2
: the governing and directing center of an organization
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster