spearhead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Neutral
Quick answer
What does “spearhead” mean?
A weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp pointed metal head, used for thrusting or throwing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp pointed metal head, used for thrusting or throwing.
To lead or initiate (an attack, campaign, movement, etc.); a person or group that leads such an effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The figurative verb is equally common in both.
Connotations
Same connotations of aggressive, forward-moving leadership in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in political and business journalism. Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “spearhead” in a Sentence
[Subject - person/group] spearhead [Object - campaign/effort/initiative]to be the spearhead of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spearhead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The charity will spearhead the drive to end fuel poverty this winter.
- A senior MP is spearheading the rebellion against the new bill.
- The council spearheaded a renovation programme for the historic high street.
American English
- The tech giant is spearheading research into quantum computing.
- She spearheaded the initiative to provide clean water to the region.
- Activists spearheaded the campaign for police reform.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The spearhead unit advanced under heavy fire. (military, literal)
- He was the spearhead candidate for the leadership role. (rare, figurative)
American English
- The spearhead battalion led the assault. (military, literal)
- The spearhead marketing strategy proved highly effective. (rare, figurative)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe leading a major new project or strategic change (e.g., 'She was appointed to spearhead the digital transformation.').
Academic
Used in historical or social sciences to describe leading figures or vanguard groups in movements (e.g., 'The faction spearheaded the ideological shift.').
Everyday
Less common. Used for organising significant community or group actions (e.g., 'Local parents spearheaded the campaign for a new playground.').
Technical
In military contexts, refers literally to the leading tactical unit of an attack, or figuratively in project management.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spearhead”
- Using it for routine management without the sense of pioneering a new effort (e.g., 'He spearheads the weekly sales meeting' is weak).
- Misspelling as 'spear head' (should be one word or hyphenated: spear-head).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Noun: 'She was the spearhead of the movement.' Verb: 'She will spearhead the movement.'
No. While it originates there, its most common modern use is figurative, in business, politics, and social campaigns.
'Spearhead' implies being at the very front, initiating something new or challenging, and often involves forceful effort. 'Lead' is more general and neutral.
Typically, the subject is a person, group, or organisation. An abstract idea (e.g., 'a new theory') is less common as the subject but can be the object ('The theory spearheaded a revolution in physics.' is acceptable but personifies the theory).
A weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp pointed metal head, used for thrusting or throwing.
Spearhead is usually formal / neutral in register.
Spearhead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪə.hed/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪr.hed/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at the spearhead of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPEAR's HEAD (point) going first into battle. The person who 'spearheads' a project is the first point of contact and leads the charge.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL / BUSINESS ACTIVITY IS WAR. The leader is the weapon's point; the effort is an attack; progress is forward movement against resistance.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'spearhead' as a verb LEAST appropriate?