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spearhead

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Over the years, excavators have found around 280 artifacts in the lake, including 145 axes, 64 spearheads, eight swords and, most recently, four spears. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025 So all these ideas coalesced, but the spearhead was the idea of faith. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
Sullivan is now spearheading the coaching search with Dolphins owner Steve Ross, according to a league source. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026 The United States is also spearheading an initiative called the Artemis Accords, which seeks to establish a set of norms for safe, sustainable and peaceful space exploration. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spearhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spearhead. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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