spear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, depending on context. As a noun, common in historical, sporting (e.g., fishing), and figurative contexts. As a verb, used in both literal and figurative registers.
Quick answer
What does “spear” mean?
A long, thin weapon with a sharp pointed end, typically thrown or held for thrusting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, thin weapon with a sharp pointed end, typically thrown or held for thrusting.
A person or thing that leads or initiates an activity, movement, or attack; a pointed stem or shoot of a plant; to pierce, strike, or initiate with or as if with a spear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or spelling. In sports, 'spear fishing' is common in both, but 'spear tackle' is more common in British/Australian rugby commentary than American football.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: historical weaponry, targeted action. In business contexts, 'to spearhead' is equally common.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in everyday conversation in both varieties, with similar usage patterns.
Grammar
How to Use “spear” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] spear [OBJECT] (with [INSTRUMENT])[SUBJECT] spearhead [OBJECT (campaign/initiative)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rugby player was penalised for spearing his opponent in a dangerous tackle.
- He expertly speared the mango with a fork.
American English
- The fisherman speared a large bass in the lake.
- She was chosen to spear the company's sustainability efforts.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial use; the word is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- No common adverbial use; the word is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The museum displayed a rare spear-thrower from ancient history.
- Spear phishing attacks are a growing email threat.
American English
- He carved a new spear tip from flint.
- The spear side of the family refers to male relatives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative use: 'She was chosen to spearhead the new marketing campaign.'
Academic
Historical/archaeological contexts: 'The excavation revealed iron spear tips from the Roman era.'
Everyday
Literal use in hobbies: 'He enjoys spear fishing on the coast.'
Technical
In botany: 'The plant sent up a new spear from the rhizome.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spear”
- Using 'spear' as a verb without an object (incorrect: 'He speared into the fish.' Correct: 'He speared the fish.'). Confusing 'spear' (weapon) with 'spear' (plant shoot) contextually.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is more commonly used as a noun referring to the weapon. The verb use is less frequent but well-established, especially in the figurative phrase 'spearhead'.
A spear is a general term for a long, pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing. A javelin is a specific type of light spear designed primarily for throwing, often in athletic competitions.
Yes, but it's rare and usually found in compound nouns like 'spear-thrower' or 'spear phishing'. It is not commonly used as a standalone adjective.
It is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. In business and academic writing, 'spearheading' is a standard metaphor for leading an initiative.
A long, thin weapon with a sharp pointed end, typically thrown or held for thrusting.
Spear: in British English it is pronounced /spɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spear carrier (a minor participant)”
- “spearhead an attack/campaign (to lead an initiative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPEAR: Sharp Point Ends All Resistance.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/ACTIONS ARE WEAPONS: 'He spearheaded the project.' LEADERSHIP IS BEING AT THE POINT/TIP: 'At the spear of the movement.'
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does it mean to 'spearhead' a project?