vanguard

[ van-gahrd ]

noun

1. the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van.
2. the forefront in any movement, field, activity, or the like.
3. the leaders of any intellectual or political movement.
4. (initial capital letter) Rocketry. a U.S. three-stage, satellite-launching rocket, the first two stages powered by liquid-propellant engines and the third by a solid-propellant engine.

vanguard

/ ˈvænˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. the leading division or units of a military force
2. the leading position in any movement or field, or the people who occupy such a position

   the vanguard of modern literature

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanguard¹

First recorded in 1480–90; earlier van(d)gard(e), from Middle French avangarde, variant of avant-garde; avaunt, guard

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanguard¹

C15: from Old French avant-garde, from avant- fore- + garde guard

Example Sentences

“The thing that was most interesting to me from the very beginning, is what happens when somebody who is at the vanguard of political radicalism in their youth gets older?”

From Los Angeles Times

The governor said he seeks to balance his desire to preserve California’s role as the vanguard of technology against his job to shield society from potential harm.

From Los Angeles Times

Now as governor, Newsom said he seeks to balance his desire to preserve California’s role as the vanguard of technology against his job to shield society from potential harm, particularly around artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times

They really believe they're this vanguard that God had placed on Earth to bring about the Kingdom of God.

From Salon

But Trump is just the vanguard for political hatred and violence.

From Salon