spearhead

1 of 2

noun

spear·​head ˈspir-ˌhed How to pronounce spearhead (audio)
Synonyms of spearhead
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

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Verb

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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
So all these ideas coalesced, but the spearhead was the idea of faith. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025 The Republicans vowed to continue making Texas a legal spearhead for red-state resistance to Democratic policies. — Philip Jankowski austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
The campus is expected to include a wide range of healthcare services spearheaded by Grady for children and adults across the region. — Nakell Williams, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Since then, there have been endless rounds of logistics, spearheaded by Chris O’Brien, who ran OpSail and is president of Sail4th 250. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026 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

Rhymes for spearhead

See All Rhymes for spearhead

Browse Nearby Words

spear hand
spearhead
spear hook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spearhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spearhead. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of spearhead for Spanish Speakers

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