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 of spearhead

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

London, 24, has been the spearhead of the team's offense, with 38 receptions, 469 receiving yards, which leads the team, and two touchdowns through six games. —Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

Before taking on the captaincy, Cummins was used primarily as a strike bowler — a fast, hostile spearhead who attacked in bursts. —Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Verb

Past winners have included Elizabeth Wurtzel, author of the culture-shifting 1994 memoir Prozac Nation; George magazine editor and noted author Richard Bradley; and revered music journalist Chuck Young, who spearheaded Rolling Stone’s coverage of punk rock. —Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025

The event, which is being spearheaded by the DFI, opened on Thursday with the MENA premiere of The Voice Of Hind Rajab. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Nov. 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