What does "spearhead" mean?
The pointed head, or end, of a spear.
Spearhead
/ˈspɪɹ.hɛd/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The pointed head, or end, of a spear.
- Grammar: spearhead is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: advance guard, advance guard, advocate, airhead.
- Useful contrasts: back ranks, delay, follow.
- Usage evidence: Christopher Columbus was the spearhead of the biggest invasion and genocide ever seen in the history of humanity.
How to use "spearhead"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "spearhead" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "spearhead" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "spearhead" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "spearhead" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "spearhead" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "advance guard" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "spearhead", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The pointed head, or end, of a spear.
"Orion hit a rabbit once; but though sore wounded it got to the bury, and, struggling in, the arrow caught the side of the hole and was drawn out.[…]. Ikey the blacksmith had forged us a spearhead after a sketch from a picture of a Greek warrior; and a rake-handle served as a shaft."
- 2 the head and sharpened point of a spear wordnet
- 3 One who leads or initiates an activity (such as an attack or a campaign).
"Spearheads of the NER bargain fares attack this year have been the introduction of weekend fares at a 7s 6d in the £ discount on ordinary rates between principal stations throughout the Region—[...]."
- 4 the leading military unit in an attack wordnet
- 5 The leading military unit in an attack.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 someone who leads or initiates an activity (attack or campaign etc.) wordnet
- 7 A player who initiates attacking moves.
"England played at a tempo in attack that was too much for Bulgaria, with width provided at various times by Walcott, Young and Stewart Downing and Rooney acting as the potent spearhead."
Verb
- 1 To drive or campaign ardently for (an effort, project, etc.); to direct. idiomatic, transitive
"He spearheaded the entire project from day one."
- 2 be the leader of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Christopher Columbus was the spearhead of the biggest invasion and genocide ever seen in the history of humanity."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "spearhead"?
Common synonyms include: advance guard, advance guard, advocate, airhead, arrowhead, art trend.
How do you use "spearhead" in a sentence?
Christopher Columbus was the spearhead of the biggest invasion and genocide ever seen in the history of humanity.
How do you pronounce "spearhead"?
Pronounced /ˈspɪɹ.hɛd/.
Etymology
From Middle English spere-hed; equivalent to spear + head.