Spear vs. Lance: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A spear is a long, typically slender weapon with a pointed tip, mainly used for thrusting or throwing, whereas a lance is a long, heavy spear designed primarily for charging on horseback.
Key Differences
The spear is a versatile weapon, used for both throwing and close combat. It's typically lighter and balanced for throwing. The lance, in contrast, is heavier and optimized for charging, often used by cavalry.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Historically, spears were common among infantry units due to their simplicity and effectiveness. Lances gained prominence with mounted knights, symbolizing noble combat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spears generally vary in length and are lighter, making them suitable for a range of soldiers. Lances are longer and heavier, requiring skill and strength, particularly when used on horseback.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In many cultures, the spear is seen as a fundamental weapon, often associated with hunting and warfare. The lance, however, often holds a more ceremonial or chivalric connotation, linked to medieval knights and jousting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Today, spears are seen more in traditional ceremonies or as hunting tools. Lances have mostly a ceremonial role, particularly in historical reenactments and parades.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Cultural Association
Fundamental warfare and hunting tool
Chivalry, ceremonial use
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Spear and Lance Definitions
Spear
A tool resembling a spear, used in fishing.
He used a spear to catch fish in the shallow river.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Lance
A tool for piercing or cutting, in medical or other contexts.
The surgeon used a lance to perform the delicate procedure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spear
A leading element or person in an activity.
She was the spear of the campaign, leading the charge.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Lance
A long weapon used by cavalry for charging.
The knight raised his lance as he galloped towards his foe.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A wooden spear, sometimes hollow, used in jousting or tilting, designed to shatter on impact with the opposing knight’s armour.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
A long stick with a sharp tip used as a weapon for throwing or thrusting, or anything used to make a thrusting motion.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
(military) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
(metallurgy) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
(pyrotechnics) One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(wrestling) In professional wrestling, a running tackle in which the wrestler's shoulder is driven into the opponent's midsection.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.
Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced Her back. Dryden.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.
A braver soldier never couched lance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
To penetrate or strike with, or as if with, any long narrow object; to make a thrusting motion that catches an object on the tip of a long device.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.
Seized the due victim, and with fury lancedHer back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
A long, pointed weapon, used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp head or blade; a lance.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
Move quickly, as if by cutting one's way;
Planes lanced towards the shore
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Lance
A symbol of knighthood or jousting.
In the parade, the actors carried lances to represent medieval knights.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Lance
A leading or penetrating force in a movement.
Her arguments were the lance of the debate, cutting through opposition.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Lance
An instrument of piercing critique or insight.
His words acted like a lance, exposing the truth.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spear
A long, typically pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing.
The warrior skillfully threw his spear at the target.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spear
An instrument for piercing or capturing.
The biologist used a spear-like device to collect samples.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Spear
A symbol of power or war.
The chief held a spear as a sign of his authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can spears be used for hunting?
Yes, they are often used for hunting due to their versatility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is the historical significance of a lance?
Associated with cavalry and knights, often seen in chivalry and medieval warfare.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is a lance?
A long, heavy spear designed for charging, especially by cavalry.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Why are lances longer and heavier?
To provide momentum and power during cavalry charges.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is a spear?
A weapon with a pointed tip, used for thrusting or throwing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How were spears used historically?
As versatile weapons for throwing and close combat by infantry.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are lances used today?
Mostly in ceremonial roles or historical reenactments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Were lances used in jousting?
Yes, they were the primary weapon in jousting tournaments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Do spears have cultural significance?
Yes, they are seen as fundamental weapons in many cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is the significance of a lance in heraldry?
It represents knightly virtues and medieval heritage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What is the typical length of a spear?
It varies, but generally, they are long enough for effective reach and throwing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Are spears effective in close combat?
Yes, they are highly effective due to their reach and versatility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Can spears be thrown?
Yes, they are designed for both throwing and thrusting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Did all knights use lances?
Lances were common among knights, especially in mounted combat.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
How did cavalry use lances effectively?
By leveraging the speed and power of their horses in a charge.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What materials are spears made from?
Traditionally wood and metal, but modern versions use various materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
What differentiates a spear from a javelin?
Javelins are lighter and designed primarily for throwing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Is spear fishing still practiced?
Yes, it's a traditional method of fishing in some cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Do lances have a practical use today?
Beyond ceremonial use, they have limited practical applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
