English Language Learners Definition of headquarters
: a place from which something (such as a business or a military action) is controlled or directed. headquarters. noun plural. head·quar·ters | \ ˈhed-ˌkwȯr-tərz \
Why is headquarters plural?
3 Answers. Nouns that look like plurals, because they end in -s, but whose meaning is collective or composite, are known as 'pluralia tantum'. Headquarters is one such, and premises, surroundings and outskirts are others. Headquarters is unusual in that it can be followed either by a singular or by a plural verb.
Does headquarters take singular or plural verb?
The headquarters of an organization are its main offices. Headquarters can take the singular or plural form of the verb.
