bridgehead meaning

bridgehead as a noun

1. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
   • an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines
   • the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar

   Synonyms: foothold

   Type of: combat zone

   Kinds: airhead, beachhead

2. a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy

   Type of: post

How to pronounce bridgehead

bridgehead is pronounced /ˈbrɪdʒhɛd/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.