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.

---

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

---

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

He was a bridgehead to Labour's traditional working class roots who saw the value in, and indeed personified, championing the aspirations of the less well off.

From BBC ● Nov. 21, 2024

Skif knew he first had to plan and persuade the generals that if his men could secure a bridgehead – a strategic crossing point – it would be worthwhile to send troops.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 25, 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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---