spearhead

1 of 2

noun

spear·​head ˈspir-ˌhed 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• lead
• command

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spearhead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

spearhead

1 of 2 noun

spear·​head -ˌhed 

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