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

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

They got their photo op, sent it to the military headquarters, and established the bridgehead.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023

Securing a bridgehead means that Ukrainian forces may be able to begin transferring armoured vehicles and air defence systems across the river.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 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

I had been up the river to the bridgehead at Plava.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway