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

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

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 25, 2023

The Ukrainian army has since been trying to create and hold a bridgehead on its eastern shore.

From BBC ● Nov. 15, 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

I suppose it was mutual tolerance because the Austrians still kept a bridgehead further down the river.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---