beachhead

[ beech-hed ]
/ ˈbitʃˌhɛd /

noun

the area that is the first objective of a military force landing on an enemy shore.
a secure initial position that has been gained and can be used for further advancement; foothold: The company has won a beachhead in the personal computer market.

Origin of beachhead

First recorded in 1935–40; beach + head

Words nearby beachhead

beachball, beachboy, beachcomber, beacher, beachfront, beachhead, beachmaster, beachscape, beachside, beachwear, beachy

Example sentences from the Web for beachhead

British Dictionary definitions for beachhead

beachhead
/ (ˈbiːtʃˌhɛd) /

noun military

an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed
the object of an amphibious operation

Word Origin for beachhead

C20: modelled on bridgehead