beachhead

American  

[beech-hed] / ˈbitʃˌhɛd /

noun

1. the area that is the first objective of a military force landing on an enemy shore.

2. a secure initial position that has been gained and can be used for further advancement; foothold.

   The company has won a beachhead in the personal computer market.

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beachhead British  

/ ˈbiːtʃˌhɛd /

noun

1. an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed

2. the object of an amphibious operation

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Etymology

Origin of beachhead

First recorded in 1935–40; beach + head

Example Sentences

In his address, he told activists he was on a mission to “professionalise and democratise” the party, having given it a "beachhead" in Parliament.

From BBC

“Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Indonesia, is the beachhead, both as a market and a production base,” said Lei Xing, an independent auto analyst and former chief editor of the China Automotive Review.

From Los Angeles Times

But the caucus ultimately decided to back affiliation as long as A.L.U. members ratified it, saying it would help “turn the beachhead we’ve secured in Staten Island into a militant, autonomous local.”

From New York Times

Sheltering in a bomb crater, Greene pounded out the first AP report from the beachhead, with wind flicking sand into his typewriter keys and rattling the paper.

From Seattle Times

And they listened intently as Moroccan and American personnel explained how they would set up beachheads to defend the Atlantic coastline in the event of a potential invasion.

From Seattle Times