bridgehead

noun

bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed 

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

Synonyms

• base
• foothold

Examples of bridgehead in a Sentence

established a bridgehead on the beach before beginning the land invasion

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

bridgehead

noun

bridge·​head ˈbrij-ˌhed 

: a position seized in enemy territory as a place to begin a further advance