# vanguard

/ˈvænˌɡɑɹd/ (US) · /vˈæŋɡɑːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vanguard
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. leaders of a movement

noun · CEFR C1 · General-service

the people who are at the front of a new movement or who develop new ideas before anyone else.

For teachers: the group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas, particularly in art, science, or politics.

- The company is in the vanguard of green technology, developing engines that produce zero waste.
- Small independent galleries often act as the vanguard of the art world, showcasing experimental works long before they reach major museums.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'in the vanguard of'.

### 2. military front

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

the part of an army or a fleet of ships that is at the very front when moving toward an enemy.

For teachers: the leading units or foremost division of an advancing military force or fleet.

- The vanguard of the army reached the river at dawn, hours before the main force arrived.
- Reconnaissance units formed the vanguard, tasked with identifying enemy positions before the heavy artillery moved into range.

Usage: Usually takes a singular verb.

## Examples

- She is at the vanguard of modern dance.
- The startup stands at the vanguard of artificial intelligence research.
- Though often celebrated, those at the vanguard of social change frequently face intense criticism before their ideas become widely accepted.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.