spearhead

1 of 2

noun

spear·​head ˈspir-ˌhed How to pronounce spearhead (audio)
1
: the sharp-pointed head of a spear
2
: a leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development

spearhead

2 of 2

verb

spearheaded; spearheading; spearheads

transitive verb

: to serve as leader or leading element of

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

Noun Her book was the spearhead of the clean water movement. Verb She spearheaded the campaign for better schools. The movement was spearheaded by the teachers' union.
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
Another unique burial held a warrior, buried with his shield umbo, a sword and suspension chain and a spearhead. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 One minor example: In the game, a broken and vengeful Tommy heads off to Seattle first, which gives Ellie a bit more of a permission structure to run off from Jackson; in the show, Ellie is the spearhead, and her recklessness is unquestionably apparent. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 May 2025
Verb
The interior, spearheaded by FM Architettura D’Interni founder Francesca Muzio, also spotlights the surrounding environment. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 The effort, spearheaded by Council members Karina Talamantes and Roger Dickinson, centered around the distribution of Measure L — a 2022 ballot initiative that allocates some revenue from cannabis operations taxes to youth services. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spearhead

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spearhead was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Spearhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spearhead. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

spearhead

1 of 2 noun
spear·​head -ˌhed How to pronounce spearhead (audio)
1
: the head or point of a spear
2
: a person, thing, or group that is the leading force (as in a development or attack)

spearhead

2 of 2 verb
: to serve as leader of
spearhead a campaign for better schools

More from Merriam-Webster on spearhead

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