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

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2023

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

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine captured a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro," Mr Yermak told a US think tank, using a military term for a secured position.

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

Second and Third Divisions attacked the German bridgehead at the riverside town of Château-Thierry, pushed the enemy back across the Marne, and blocked the way to Paris.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman