beachhead

[beech-hed] /ˈbitʃˌhɛd/
noun
1.
the area that is the first objective of a military force landing on an enemy shore.
2.
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
1935-40; beach + head
Examples from the web for beachhead
  • We took a stroll on the beach along the line of boats on the beachhead.
  • Not every alien will manage to break out of its beachhead.
  • Either way, it's got plenty of new content to sell ads against, and a beachhead on mobile devices that other video services lack.
  • It could also be a beachhead for similar projects in other cities.
  • We've been hearing about it for years, but the bookless library has finally arrived, making a beachhead on college campuses.
  • His regiment stormed the beachhead and fought their way into the island interior under heavy enemy fire.
  • Although dispersed throughout the beachhead, this equipment was linked primarily by telephone with a radio backup.
British Dictionary definitions for beachhead

beachhead

/ˈbiːtʃˌhɛd/
noun (military)
1.
an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed
2.
the object of an amphibious operation
Word Origin
C20: modelled on bridgehead
Word Origin and History for beachhead
n.

1940, in reference to German military tactics in World War II, from beach (n.) + head (n.), on the model of bridgehead, but the image doesn't quite work.