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
These collections, found beneath the surface of the extinct volcano, include items from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, such as pendants, brooches, and spearheads. Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 For differing reasons Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have failed to be the spearhead of head coach Arne Slot’s attack: Nunez has scored one goal in his last 13 matches while Jota is without a goal in his last 10. Andy Jones, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
Korean Cultural Centers and K-Content Business Centers will spearhead global marketing initiatives, while dedicated funding will support localization efforts including dubbing and subtitling. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 House Bill 25-1291, spearheaded by state Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, looks to require rideshare drivers to make audio and video recordings of trips and prohibiting drivers from offering passengers drinks and snacks. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 25 Apr. 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 1 May. 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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