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.
Troops from Pyongyang had attempted to cut off a Ukrainian bridgehead along the border, said Butusov on his Telegram channel. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Meloni has been positioning herself as the European leader who can be the crucial bridgehead between Europe and the U.S. administration. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025 Without establishing the bridge, the Russian will not be able to hold the bridgehead, with some reports already indicating that the bridgehead has been destroyed. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bridgehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridgehead. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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