spears: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (historical/military), Technical (botany/culinary), Neutral (as verb).
Quick answer
What does “spears” mean?
The plural form of 'spear', a long, pointed weapon thrown by hand or used for thrusting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'spear', a long, pointed weapon thrown by hand or used for thrusting.
Can refer to the long, thin, pointed growths or structures of plants (e.g., asparagus spears). Used as a verb in the third person singular (he/she/it spears) to describe the action of piercing or stabbing with a spear or similar pointed object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The plant/botanical sense (e.g., 'asparagus spears') is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
UK usage may have a slightly stronger historical/literary association. US usage may appear more frequently in culinary contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in modern everyday language, except in specific contexts (history, cooking, gardening).
Grammar
How to Use “spears” in a Sentence
[Subject] spears [Object] (with [Instrument])The warriors carried spears.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spears” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The angler skilfully spears the fish.
- He spears a pickled onion with his fork.
American English
- The diver spears a large bass.
- She spears the last olive from the jar.
adjective
British English
- The spear tip was found in the peat.
- A spear-throwing competition.
American English
- The spear point was razor-sharp.
- Spear-fishing is regulated here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially metaphorical: 'spearheading a campaign' (from the verb 'to spearhead').
Academic
Common in historical, archaeological, or anthropological texts discussing weaponry or hunting techniques.
Everyday
Most common in cooking (e.g., 'grill the asparagus spears') or gardening contexts.
Technical
Used in botany to describe specific pointed plant structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spears”
- Incorrect singular/plural: 'a spears' (should be 'a spear' or 'spears').
- Spelling confusion: 'speers', 'speres'.
- Using 'spear' as a mass noun (e.g., 'much spear' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's commonly used for certain elongated plant parts (e.g., asparagus spears, spears of grass) and metaphorically (e.g., spears of light).
A spear is a general term for a long, pointed weapon. A lance is typically longer and used by cavalry on horseback. A javelin is lighter and designed specifically for throwing.
It's the third person singular present tense of 'to spear', meaning to pierce with a pointed object. E.g., 'He spears the meat with a fork.'
Yes, it's a specific type of spear used for fishing, often called a 'harpoon' for larger sea creatures.
The plural form of 'spear', a long, pointed weapon thrown by hand or used for thrusting.
Spears is usually formal (historical/military), technical (botany/culinary), neutral (as verb). in register.
Spears: in British English it is pronounced /spɪəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɪrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spears of criticism (metaphorical, rare)”
- “To be on the spears (archaic, meaning to be ready for battle).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPEARS - Sharp Pointy Ends for Attack, Ripping, and Stabbing.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAPONS ARE TOOLS FOR PENETRATION → 'Spears of doubt pierced his confidence.' (Criticism/negative feelings as piercing weapons).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical context, 'spears' were primarily used for: