bridgehead

noun

bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed How to pronounce bridgehead (audio)
1
a
: a fortification protecting the end of a bridge nearest an enemy
b
: an area around the end of a bridge
2
: an advanced position seized in hostile territory

Examples of bridgehead in a Sentence

established a bridgehead on the beach before beginning the land invasion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Less than 1,400 miles from Miami, Caracas is often touted as a bridgehead for Russian President Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington’s backyard. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 23 July 2024 Russia began establishing in Libya a bridgehead for its activities in sub-Saharan Africa in 2018. Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024 The same private Russian military contractor—the Wagner Group—whose fighters entered eastern Ukraine ahead of Russia’s all-out assault has also established, over the past several years, Russian bridgeheads in a handful of countries across Africa. Stephen Smith, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2022 The cost of holding on against Russia on the Dnieper bridgehead is high. Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for bridgehead 

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bridgehead was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near bridgehead

Cite this Entry

“Bridgehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridgehead. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bridgehead

noun
bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed How to pronounce bridgehead (audio)
: a position seized in enemy territory as a place to begin a further advance
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