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
Starting in December of 2023, the report says, an archaeological team found traces of fire pits and artifacts such as pottery shards, tools and spearheads, as well as bones and shells from animals hunted, fished or consumed by the indigenous people, probably Tequesta, who occupied the site. Andres Viglucci july 4, Miami Herald, 4 July 2025 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
Verb
This strategy, spearheaded by CEO Sam Altman, has long been part of the company’s approach to retaining employees and driving innovation. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2025 But in recent weeks, there's been a push to detain more people, spearheaded by the recent goal of 3,000 ICE arrests per day. Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spearhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spearhead. Accessed 10 Jul. 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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