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

• boss
• captain
• command
• head
• lead

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

Robotization and automation are key spearheads at Rabobank. —Judith Magyar, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Joao Pedro took over the No 10 role, with the evergreen Welbeck, 33, operating as the attacking spearhead. —Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Verb

By the 1980s, the Soviet Union was still stuck in the analog age, producing only a few thousand computers annually, while American firms were manufacturing millions and spearheading the digital revolution. —Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

That includes consolidating strategic priorities and financials and coordinating teams at the regional level and spearheading initiatives across businesses (except for Disney Experiences). —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1937, in the meaning defined above

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