What does spear mean?
A spear is a long, pointed weapon or implement designed chiefly for thrusting and piercing. Historically, spears were used in hunting and warfare, and their simple design made them effective across many cultures and periods. The verb “spear” means to pierce or impale something with a sharp point, as when a hunter spears a fish. It can also describe rapid, forceful movement, especially in phrases such as “spearing through the finish line.” In modern English, “spear” may refer broadly to a pointed shaft, while “lance,” “pike,” and “javelin” can specify particular forms or uses. The word remains common in descriptions of historical combat, traditional hunting, weapon making, and figurative language about decisive or forceful movement.
A long, pointed weapon or implement used for thrusting or piercing.
"The warrior carried a spear and a small round shield."
The term is broad and can refer to a spear used in hunting, warfare, fishing, or as a traditional pointed implement.
To pierce or impale with a pointed object; to move or propel oneself forcefully through something.
"The fish darted away as the fisherman speared it."
The figurative sense of moving rapidly or forcefully is common in informal and sporting contexts.
The usual plural is spears.
"The guards stood in a row holding spears."
A spear is one of humanity’s oldest tools for hunting and warfare, long before firearms made its battlefield role obsolete.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spear come from?
The English word comes from Old English spere, meaning a spear or similar pointed shaft. It belongs to a Germanic word family with related forms in other Germanic languages, including Dutch sper and German Spieß, the latter now usually referring to a spit or pointed rod. The word entered Middle English in the late medieval period and continued to be used for both weapons and long pointed implements.
Related word forms
How spear is actually used
The noun is neutral and historical in many contexts but can also describe a traditional weapon or a pointed hunting implement. As a verb, “spear” commonly means to pierce with a sharp point; its figurative use for rapid movement or forceful success is informal but widely understood.
Easily confused with spear
A spearhead is the pointed tip or blade of a spear, whereas a spear is the complete weapon.
A lance is primarily a long cavalry weapon with a shaft and blade, while a spear is the more general term for a pointed thrusting weapon.