vanguard

noun

van·​guard ˈvan-ˌgärd How to pronounce vanguard (audio)
 also  ˈvaŋ-
1
: the forefront of an action or movement
2
: the troops moving at the head of an army
vanguardism
ˈvan-ˌgär-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce vanguard (audio)
 also  ˈvaŋ-
noun
vanguardist
ˈvan-ˌgär-dist How to pronounce vanguard (audio)
 also  ˈvaŋ-
noun

Did you know?

Vanguard comes from Anglo-French avantgarde, from avant, meaning "before," and garde, "guard." In medieval times, avantgarde referred to the troops that marched at the head of the army. In time, vanguard marched its way as a word for the group of people who are the leaders of an action or movement in society, politics, art, etc.

Examples of vanguard in a Sentence

a style of jazz that the vanguard quickly recognized as new and exciting talk radio is often regarded as being in the vanguard of the conservative movement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, these vanguards in the wearable industry are pushing us toward an era when always-listening gadgets on our wrists and heads could grow to be more helpful. Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2025 Like many in the island’s culinary vanguard, brewmaster Jeremmie Vélez Rosario is dedicated to sustainability, using ingredients grown on-site for his new spot, El Co.lectivo, a no-waste cocktail bar and pizza joint. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024 Camus, in particular, has been in the barrel vanguard, even making Caribbean Expedition ($155)—a small batch product actually matured in Oceanic and Tropical climates. John Mariani, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Who Was There Miami’s cultural vanguards turned out in force, including Superblue Miami’s Shantelle Rodriguez, Goldman Global Arts’ Jessica Goldman Srebnick, actor Eric Rutherford, fashion designer Marie Saint Pierre, and ABC News anchor Louis Aguirre. Jaime Sloane, SPIN, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vanguard 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vauntgard, borrowed from Anglo-French vantgarde, avantgarde, from avant- "fore-" (from avant "before," going back to Late Latin abante) + garde guard entry 1 — more at advance entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vanguard was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near vanguard

Cite this Entry

“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanguard. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

vanguard

noun
van·​guard ˈvan-ˌgärd How to pronounce vanguard (audio)
1
: the troops moving at the head of an army
2
: the forefront of an action or movement
Etymology

Middle English vauntgard "the troops moving at the head of an army," from early French vantgarde, avantgarde (same meaning), derived from avant- "fore-, in front" and garde "guard"

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