(|)äˌvän(t)ˈgärd, |aˌv-, əˌv-, (|)ȧˌv-, -väⁿˈg-, -vȯn(t)ˈg-, -vȯⁿˈg-, -gȧd noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, vanguard
1. : those who create, produce, or apply new, original, or experimental ideas, designs, and techniques in any field, especially in the arts — used usually with the
2. : a group (as of writers or artists) that is unorthodox and untraditional in its approach ; sometimes : such a group that is extremist, bizarre, or arty and affected
3. : advocates and admirers of the avant-garde