the old guard
noun
: the usually older members of an organization (such as a political party) who do not want or like change
She's not popular with the old guard.
(US) The old guard is stronger than ever.
(British) The old guard are stronger than ever.
Examples of the old guard in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the most interesting trend in Hollywood right now is that a new generation is disrupting the old guard.
—
Jesse Kirshbaum,
SPIN,
3 July 2026
That choice became a cautionary tale for Democrats who argue that too many of the old guard have selfishly refused to pass the baton to the younger generation.
—
Vivian Yee,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
If Broadway is changing faster than the old guard can keep pace, the same is true for the culture in general.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Bush's successor as governor, Rick Perry, had campaigned heavily for Cornyn, and Cornyn touted endorsements from many in the old guard of Texas Republicans.
—
Fin Daniel Gómez,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the old guard
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Jesse Kirshbaum,
SPIN,
3 July 2026
That choice became a cautionary tale for Democrats who argue that too many of the old guard have selfishly refused to pass the baton to the younger generation.
—
Vivian Yee,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
If Broadway is changing faster than the old guard can keep pace, the same is true for the culture in general.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Bush's successor as governor, Rick Perry, had campaigned heavily for Cornyn, and Cornyn touted endorsements from many in the old guard of Texas Republicans.
—
Fin Daniel Gómez,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the old guard
Cite this Entry
“The old guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20old%20guard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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