bridgehead

[ brij-hed ]

/ ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd /

Save This Word!

noun

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.

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

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

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of bridgehead

First recorded in 1805–15; bridge¹ + head

Words nearby bridgehead

bridge circuit, bridge cloth, bridge deck, bridge financing, bridge fluting, bridgehead, bridge house, bridge lamp, bridgeman, Bridgend, Bridge of Sighs

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bridgehead in a sentence

They then held the bridgehead at Nieuport and the whole western bank of the river.
The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 4 (of 10)|James Edward Parrott
Nick was wondering how the old genius had accomplished such a feat when a thick black wall dropped across the bridgehead.
Satan and the Comrades|Ralph Bennitt
They are going to attempt to set up a bridgehead on British soil.
Dave Dawson with the R.A.F|R. Sidney Bowen
Miss Norman: Will you do me the honour to meet me at the bridgehead at half-past nine—practically at once?
The Pagan Madonna|Harold MacGrath

Even so the Austrian advance continued, while a bridgehead was secured across the Piave at Zenson.
A Short History of the Great War|A. F. Pollard

British Dictionary definitions for bridgehead

bridgehead

/ (ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd) /

noun military

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

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

an advantageous position gained for future expansion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012