What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pike
Example
The soldiers marched forward with their pikes held high. [pike: noun]
Example
I caught a huge pike while fishing in the lake. [pike: noun]
Example
The hikers reached the pike of the mountain after a long climb. [pike: noun]
spear
Example
The warrior threw his spear at the enemy. [spear: noun]
Example
I went spearfishing and caught a big fish. [spearfishing: gerund or present participle]
Example
The flag had a golden spear on it as a symbol of power. [spear: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spear is more commonly used than pike in everyday language. Spear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pike is less common and refers to specific historical or natural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pike and spear?
While pike is typically associated with a formal and historical tone, spear is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.