vanguard
noun
van·guard
ˈvan-ˌgärd
also ˈvaŋ-
1
: the forefront of an action or movement
2
: the troops moving at the head of an army
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.
Cite this Entry
“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanguard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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