spearpoint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareLiterary, Historical, Technical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “spearpoint” mean?
The pointed end of a spear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The pointed end of a spear; the sharp tip.
Any sharply pointed tip or apex resembling that of a spear; also used figuratively to describe the foremost or leading element of an advancing group or formation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in British historical/military writing.
Connotations
Both share connotations of antiquity, sharpness, and penetration. British usage may have a slightly stronger historical/literary flavour.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. More likely found in historical novels, military history, or poetic language than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “spearpoint” in a Sentence
[spearpoint] of [the attack/advance/charge][verb] the spearpoint [into/against/at][adjective] spearpointVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spearpoint” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The archaeologist carefully brushed the soil from the iron spearpoint.
- The knight felt the cold spearpoint at his throat.
- Their cavalry formed the spearpoint of the assault.
American English
- A finely crafted obsidian spearpoint was displayed in the museum.
- The general positioned his best troops at the spearpoint of the formation.
- The spearpoint of the argument was its compelling first piece of evidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The R&D department was the spearpoint of the company's innovation drive.'
Academic
In archaeology, history, military studies. 'The excavation yielded several Mesolithic flint spearpoints.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
In historical reenactment, blacksmithing, archaeology. 'The spearpoint must be securely riveted to the socket.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spearpoint”
- Using 'spearpoint' as a verb (the verb is 'spearhead'). Confusing 'spearpoint' (the tip) with 'spearhead' (the entire tip/leadership).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Spearpoint' is literal (the sharp tip) or a tight metaphor for the foremost tip. 'Spearhead' is more common and broader, meaning the entire leading part of a weapon or, figuratively, the person or group leading an activity.
No. The verb form is 'spearhead' (e.g., 'She spearheaded the campaign').
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised word. You will encounter it primarily in historical, archaeological, or literary contexts.
A spearpoint is larger and designed for a spear, which is a thrusting or throwing weapon. An arrowhead is smaller and designed for an arrow, shot from a bow. Both are projectile points.
The pointed end of a spear.
Spearpoint is usually literary, historical, technical, figurative in register.
Spearpoint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪə.pɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪr.pɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at the spearpoint of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a SPEAR has a POINT. SPEAR + POINT = spearpoint.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRONT IS A SHARP POINT (e.g., 'the spearpoint of the movement'); AGGRESSION/ATTACK IS THRUSTING A SPEAR.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative military sense, 'spearpoint' best describes: