How to pronounce spearhead
Say it like SPEER-hed. Spearhead has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spearhead. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPEER
- hed
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spearhead pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- hedKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of spearhead
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SPEER-hed.
What does spearhead mean?
- To drive or campaign ardently for (an effort, project, etc.); to direct.“He spearheaded the entire project from day one.”
- The pointed head, or end, of a spear.
- Something or somebody leading or initiating an activity (such as an attack or campaign).
- The leading military unit in an attack.
Where does spearhead come from?
From Middle English spere-hed; equivalent to spear + head.
Questions about saying spearhead
How do you pronounce spearhead?
Say SPEER-hed. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɪrhɛd/. In British English it is /ˈspɪəhɛd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spearhead?
Spearhead has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEER). Broken into parts: SPEER · hed.
Is spearhead pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈspɪəhɛd/ (SPEER-hed).