bridgehead

noun

bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed 

1

a

: a fortification protecting the end of a bridge nearest an enemy

b

: an area around the end of a bridge

2

: an advanced position seized in hostile territory

Synonyms of bridgehead

• base
• foothold
• fortress
• camp
• center

Examples of bridgehead in a Sentence

established a bridgehead on the beach before beginning the land invasion

Recent Examples on the Web

Roman bridgehead forts were typically built near key river crossings to control trade and secure borders, archaeologists said. — Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

Troops from Pyongyang had attempted to cut off a Ukrainian bridgehead along the border, said Butusov on his Telegram channel. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

The corridor will be developed by the United States, representing a bridgehead for American influence in a region Russia considers well within its sphere of influence. — Alexander Thompson, Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2026

Since the 18th century, the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union have viewed the region as a bridgehead against Iran and the Ottoman Empire/Turkey. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for bridgehead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

bridgehead

noun

bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed 

: a position seized in enemy territory as a place to begin a further advance