bridgehead

American  

[brij-hed] / ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd /

noun

1. a position held or to be gained on the enemy side of a river, defile, or other obstacle, to cover the crossing of friendly troops.

2. any position gained that can be used as a foothold for further advancement; beachhead.

3. a defensive work covering or protecting the end of a bridge toward the enemy.

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bridgehead British  

/ ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd /

noun

1. an area of ground secured or to be taken on the enemy's side of an obstacle, esp a defended river

2. a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy

3. an advantageous position gained for future expansion

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Etymology

Origin of bridgehead

First recorded in 1805–15; bridge ¹ + head

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bridgehead

Beijing eclipsed Germany as Hungary’s most active foreign investor in recent years, turning the country of 9.6 million into its European bridgehead for advanced manufacturing.

From Barron's ● Apr. 17, 2026

Under relentless Russian fire, the soldier spent several weeks on the Russian-occupied side of the river as Ukraine sought to establish a bridgehead around the village of Krynky.

From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2023

If Ukrainian forces succeeded in crossing the river and establishing a secure bridgehead on the east bank, it would represent a major advance.

From Reuters ● Nov. 13, 2023

Leahy’s aggressive sales efforts first won Airbus a bridgehead in the U.S. airline market and later elevated the European jet-maker to Boeing’s equal.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 10, 2023

During that time, the Saar and Silesia were taken, the Ruhr was encircled by American troops, and another bridgehead was formed across the Rhine by soldiers of General Patton’s army.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok