spear

¹

[speer]

noun

1. a long, stabbing weapon for thrusting or throwing, consisting of a wooden shaft to which a sharp-pointed head, as of iron or steel, is attached.

2. a soldier or other person armed with such a weapon; spearman.

   an army of 40,000 spears.

3. a similar weapon or stabbing implement, as one for use in fishing.

4. the act of spearing.

adjective

1. spear side.

verb (used with object)

1. to pierce with or as with a spear.

verb (used without object)

1. to go or penetrate like a spear.

   The plane speared through the clouds.

spear

²

[speer]

noun

1. a sprout or shoot of a plant, as a blade of grass or an acrospire of grain.

verb (used without object)

1. to sprout; shoot; send up or rise in a spear or spears.

spear

¹

/ spɪə /

noun

1. a weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp pointed end of metal, stone, or wood that may be thrown or thrust

2. a similar implement used to catch fish

3. another name for spearman

verb

1. to pierce (something) with or as if with a spear

spear

²

/ spɪə /

noun

1. a shoot, slender stalk, or blade, as of grass, asparagus, or broccoli

Other Word Forms

• spearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spear¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun spere, sper(re), Old English spere; cognate with Dutch, German speer

Origin of spear²

First recorded in 1640–50; variant of spire ¹, perhaps influenced by spear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of spear¹

Old English spere; related to Old Norse spjör spears, Greek sparos gilthead

Origin of spear²

C16: probably variant of _spire ¹ , influenced by _spear ¹

Example Sentences

“We are the tip of the spear,” said Herbert, who is not related to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times

The finished drink is then served over ice and topped with a pickle spear, which can be eaten in between sips of lemonade.

From Salon

In June 2024, Filipino soldiers used their "bare hands" to fight off Chinese coast guard personnel armed with swords, spears and knives in the area.

From BBC

However, cybersecurity experts have warned the breached data could be used to target unsuspecting customers with convincing personal emails in what's known as a spear phishing attack.

From BBC

Parmesan-crusted zucchini spears were enjoyed with baked salmon and a creamy mushroom risotto.

From Salon

Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• dart 
• harpoon 
• skewer