First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1spear
noun \ˈspir\
Definition of SPEAR
1
: a thrusting or throwing weapon with long shaft and sharp head or blade
2
: a sharp-pointed instrument with barbs used in spearing fish
3
: spearman
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Origin of SPEAR
Middle English spere, from Old English; akin to Old High German sper spear, Latin sparus hunting spear
Rhymes with SPEAR
2spear
verb
Definition of SPEAR
transitive verb1
: to pierce, strike, or take with or as if with a spear <spear salmon> <speared a chop from the platter>
2
: to catch (as a baseball) with a sudden thrust of the arm
intransitive verb
: to thrust at or wound something with or as if with a spear
— spear·er noun
First Known Use of SPEAR
15th century
3spear
adjective
Definition of SPEAR
First Known Use of SPEAR
1861
4spear
intransitive verb
Definition of SPEAR
of a plant : to thrust a spear upward
Origin of SPEAR
5spear
First Known Use: 1573
5spear
noun
Definition of SPEAR
: a usually young blade, shoot, or sprout (as of grass)
Origin of SPEAR
alteration of 1spire
First Known Use: 1647
SPEAR Defined for Kids
1spear
noun \ˈspir\
Definition of SPEAR for Kids
1
: a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade used for throwing or jabbing
2
: an instrument with a sharp point and curved hooks used in stabbing fish
2spear
verb
spearedspear·ing
Definition of SPEAR for Kids
: to strike or pierce with or as if with a spear
3spear
noun
Definition of SPEAR for Kids
: a usually young blade or sprout (as of grass)
Learn More About SPEAR
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