Spear vs. Polearm: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
A spear is a long, pointed weapon typically used for thrusting or throwing, while a polearm is a broader category of weapons mounted on a long shaft, including spears, halberds, and glaives.
Key Differences
A spear is a simple weapon with a pointed tip, often made of metal or stone, mounted on a long shaft. It is primarily designed for thrusting or throwing. Polearms, however, encompass a wider range of weapons, all featuring a blade or head affixed to a long pole, including spears but also extending to weapons like halberds and pikes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Spears have been used since prehistoric times for hunting and warfare, prized for their simplicity and effectiveness. Polearms, by contrast, evolved in the medieval era, offering more specialized forms and functions, catering to different combat scenarios, such as breaking through heavy armor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
The design of a spear is focused on a single sharp point, making it effective for piercing. Polearms, on the other hand, may have various designs such as axes, hooks, or blades on their heads, making them versatile for slashing, hooking, and thrusting.
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Dec 26, 2023
Spears are often lighter and more agile, suitable for quick thrusts and even throwing. Polearms are typically heavier and require training to use effectively, often utilized in formations by infantry in medieval battles.
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Dec 26, 2023
In modern times, the spear is mainly found in sporting events, like the javelin throw. Polearms are mostly seen in historical reenactments or as ceremonial items, their diverse forms reflecting their historical military significance.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A weapon with a pointed tip on a long shaft.
A category of weapons with various heads on long shafts.
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Dec 26, 2023
Usage
Primarily for thrusting or throwing.
Used for thrusting, slashing, and hooking.
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Design Focus
Single sharp point.
Varied designs including axes, hooks, blades.
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Typical Weight
Lighter and more agile.
Heavier, requiring more skill to wield.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Spear and Polearm Definitions
Spear
A weapon designed for thrusting.
In combat, the spear proved effective for quick strikes.
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Dec 26, 2023
Polearm
A class of weapons combining pole and blade.
The medieval knight trained with various polearms.
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Dec 26, 2023
Spear
An athletic equipment in sports like javelin throw.
She excelled in throwing the spear at track and field events.
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Dec 26, 2023
Polearm
A medieval weapon used by foot soldiers.
Polearms were essential in breaking enemy lines in medieval battles.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Polearm
A pole-mounted weapon with diverse head designs.
The museum's collection included polearms with intricate designs.
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Dec 26, 2023
Polearm
A versatile weapon for thrusting and slashing.
The halberd, a type of polearm, was effective against both infantry and cavalry.
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Dec 26, 2023
Polearm
A weapon used in historical reenactments.
In the reenactment, he wielded a polearm with great skill.
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Dec 26, 2023
Polearm
A close-quarter combat weapon with the main fighting part of the weapon placed on the end of a long shaft, typically of wood.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(wrestling) In professional wrestling, a running tackle in which the wrestler's shoulder is driven into the opponent's midsection.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Oct 19, 2023
Spear
A long shafted weapon with a pointed tip.
The warrior skillfully threw the spear at the target.
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Dec 26, 2023
Spear
A tool used historically in hunting and warfare.
Ancient hunters used spears to take down large game.
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Dec 26, 2023
Spear
A pole weapon with a sharp end, often used in historical contexts.
The museum displayed spears from various ancient civilizations.
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Dec 26, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the primary use of a spear?
A spear is primarily used for thrusting or throwing.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are polearms still used today?
Polearms are primarily used today for ceremonial purposes or in historical reenactments.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is the spear a simple weapon?
Yes, the spear is considered one of the simplest and oldest weapons.
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Dec 26, 2023
Were polearms used in formations?
Yes, polearms were often used in military formations in medieval warfare.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can spears be used for defense?
Yes, spears can be effective defensive weapons, especially against charges.
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Dec 26, 2023
What distinguishes a polearm from other weapons?
A polearm is characterized by its combination of a long shaft with various types of heads or blades.
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Dec 26, 2023
How long is a typical spear?
The length of spears can vary, but they are typically long enough to be used effectively at a distance.
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Dec 26, 2023
Were spears used in ancient Rome?
Yes, spears were commonly used by Roman soldiers.
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Dec 26, 2023
What materials are spears made from?
Historically, spears were made from wood and metal, with stone tips in earlier times.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can a spear be thrown?
Yes, spears can be designed for both thrusting and throwing.
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Dec 26, 2023
What are some examples of polearms?
Examples of polearms include the halberd, pike, and glaive.
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Dec 26, 2023
How heavy is a polearm?
Polearms vary in weight, but they are generally heavier than spears.
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Dec 26, 2023
Did knights use polearms?
Yes, knights and other medieval soldiers used polearms in battle.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the historical significance of polearms?
Polearms played a significant role in medieval warfare and tactics.
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Dec 26, 2023
Did ancient Egyptians use spears?
Yes, spears were a common weapon in ancient Egypt.
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Dec 26, 2023
Were polearms used in naval warfare?
Yes, polearms were sometimes used in boarding actions during naval battles.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are polearms effective against cavalry?
Certain types of polearms, like the pike, were effective against cavalry.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do modern armies use polearms?
No, polearms are no longer used in modern warfare.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the advantage of a spear in hunting?
The spear allows hunters to attack from a distance, providing safety and leverage.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is spear-throwing an Olympic sport?
Yes, javelin throw, a form of spear-throwing, is an Olympic sport.
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Dec 26, 2023
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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.
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