spearhead

noun spear·head \ ˈspir-ˌhed \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Examples: spearhead in a Sentence

Definition of spearhead

1 : the sharp-pointed head of a spear

2 : a leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development

See spearhead defined for English-language learners

See spearhead defined for kids

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

Her book was the spearhead of the clean water movement.

Recent Examples of spearhead from the Web

The 27-year-old was the spearhead to Leicester's title winning season in 2016, alongside England forward Jamie Vardy.

— SI.com, "Man City Target Spotted in Manchester & Undergoes Medical Ahead of Big-Money Transfer," 10 July 2018
In response to the Crimea annexation, NATO created a 5,000-troop spearhead force that can deploy to trouble spots within days.

— daniel michaels, WSJ, "NATO, Under Fire From Trump, to Trumpet Its Heightened Readiness," 6 July 2018
Pompeo, who is helping spearhead conversations ahead of a possible summit with North Korea next month, met with Kim for dinner Wednesday night.

— kathryn watson, CBS News, "Pompeo speaks to press after meeting with North Korea official — live updates," 31 May 2018
Weapons like spearheads, swords, shield fragments, iron knives and an axe were also uncovered.

— doyle rice, USA TODAY, "Ancient human bones are proof of 'barbarian' war rituals 2,000 years ago in Europe," 21 May 2018
So the motorcycles range out in front of the armored spearheads, in front of the airpower looking for weaknesses in the enemy lines.

— Fox News, "What threats face America's electrical grid?," 23 Apr. 2018
The spearheads themselves appear to have been made both with local materials, such as flint, and resources imported from hundreds of miles away.

— aristos georgiou, Newsweek, "Hundreds of 12,000-year-old Spearheads and Arrowheads Found in Peru by Archaeologists," 14 Mar. 2018
The ancient spearheads will now be analyzed to determine the techniques used to manufacture them before going on display at the Regional Museum of Ica.

— aristos georgiou, Newsweek, "Hundreds of 12,000-year-old Spearheads and Arrowheads Found in Peru by Archaeologists," 14 Mar. 2018
Archaeologists have discovered more than 150 ancient spearheads in the south of Peru, dating between 9,000 and 12,000 years old.

— aristos georgiou, Newsweek, "Hundreds of 12,000-year-old Spearheads and Arrowheads Found in Peru by Archaeologists," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spearhead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of spearhead

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

spearhead

verb

Definition of spearhead

spearheaded; spearheading; spearheads

transitive verb

: to serve as leader or leading element of

See spearhead defined for English-language learners

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

She spearheaded the campaign for better schools.
The movement was spearheaded by the teachers' union.

Recent Examples of spearhead from the Web

Todd Walters, a vice president on Local 135’s board, is spearheading the effort against the merger.

— joshua stewart, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Merger of two big Southern California food worker unions hits snag," 12 July 2018
Local artist and Luna Mosaic gallery owner Cherie Bosela is spearheading the mural project.

— kyle arnold, OrlandoSentinel.com, "New Pulse mural coming to Mills 50," 9 July 2018
The patriarchal approach is enthusiastically endorsed by the politically dominant Hindu nationalist movement, spearheaded by Narendra Modi, the prime minister.

— The Economist, "Culture and the labour market keep India’s women at home," 5 July 2018
The Towson Communities Alliance is spearheading this year’s fireworks display, which is the only one in the Towson community.

— leah brennan, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore's Rosie the Riveters to lead 124th Towson 4th of July Parade," 28 June 2018
The team's principal owner, Zygi Wilf, who made his fortune as a residential real estate developer, is spearheading the project.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "NFL teams are building state-of-the-art practice palaces. Is 'Panthers Park' coming?," 28 June 2018
Founded in Chicago, Bridge Development is spearheading other industrial projects in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere around South Florida.

— david lyons, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Industrial park developer buys 10.2 acres near airport from Broward school district," 22 June 2018
One of Chicago’s largest social service agencies is spearheading a multimillion-dollar effort aimed at offering a part-time job and additional support to men like Givens who are driving the city’s epidemic of gun violence.

— annie sweeney, chicagotribune.com, "In hopes of stopping bloodshed, a multimillion-dollar effort is providing jobs, therapy to city's most violent," 8 June 2018
Roberto Firmino should be spearheading Brazil’s attacking line in Russia.

— SI.com, "Roberto Firmino Pledges Loyalty to Brazil Coach Tite Despite Substitute Role in 2-0 Croatia Win," 4 June 2018

First Known Use of spearhead

1937

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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spearhead Synonyms

SPEARHEAD Defined for English Language Learners

spearhead

noun

Definition of spearhead for English Language Learners

: a person, thing, or group that organizes or leads something (such as a movement or attack)

spearhead

verb

Definition of spearhead for English Language Learners

: to be the leader of (something, such as a political movement)

SPEARHEAD Defined for Kids

spearhead

noun spear·head \ ˈspir-ˌhed \

Definition of spearhead for Students

1 : the head or point of a spear

2 : the person, thing, or group that is the leading force (as in a development or an attack)

spearhead

verb

Definition of spearhead for Students

spearheaded; spearheading

: to serve as leader of

She spearheaded a campaign for change.

Learn More about spearhead

See words that rhyme with spearhead Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spearhead Spanish Central: Translation of spearhead Nglish: Translation of spearhead for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spearhead for Arabic speakers

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spearhead

Definition of spearhead

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples of spearhead from the Web

First Known Use of spearhead

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

spearhead

Definition of spearhead

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples of spearhead from the Web

First Known Use of spearhead

spearhead Synonyms

Synonyms

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SPEARHEAD Defined for English Language Learners

spearhead

Definition of spearhead for English Language Learners

spearhead

Definition of spearhead for English Language Learners

SPEARHEAD Defined for Kids

spearhead

Definition of spearhead for Students

spearhead

Definition of spearhead for Students

Learn More about spearhead

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