If someone is in the vanguard of something such as a revolution or an area of research, they are involved in the most advanced part of it. You can also refer to the people themselves as the vanguard.
They are in the vanguard of a movement reshaping the computer industry.
Sir James was an immensely distinguished architect in the vanguard of his profession.
...the role of the Party as the political vanguard.
2. singular noun
The vanguard of an army is the part of it that goes into battle first.
They could strike quickly and effectively at the vanguard of an invading army. [+ of]
More Synonyms of vanguard
vanguard in British English
(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 origin
C15: from Old French avant-garde, from avant- fore- + gardeguard
vanguard in American English
(ˈvænˌgɑrd)
noun
1.
the part of an army which goes ahead of the main body; the van
2.
the leading position or persons in a movement, field of endeavor, etc.
Word origin
ME vaunt garde < OFr avant-garde < avant, before (see avaunt) + garde (see guard)
Examples of 'vanguard' in a sentence
vanguard
The electronic money has been regarded as the vanguard for a movement that wants to do away entirely with national currencies.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Like its predecessors it was in the vanguard of a revolution rather than the revolution itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In the meantime his course design business is in the vanguard of change.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Wealthy individuals have been at the vanguard of the changes, according to our round table.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The lure was not only a new and enviable lifestyle, but involvement in the vanguard of a revolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
She is being hailed as the vanguard in a generation of women chefs changing the face of French gastronomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
vanguard
British English: vanguard NOUN
in the vanguard of sth If someone is in the vanguard of something such as a revolution or an area of research, they are involved in the most advanced part of it.
Such thinking puts the company in the vanguard of a movement reshaping the computer industry.
American English: vanguard
Brazilian Portuguese: vanguarda
Chinese: 先锋
European Spanish: vanguardia
French: avant-garde
German: Spitze
Italian: avanguardia
Japanese: 先駆者
Korean: 선봉
European Portuguese: vanguarda
Latin American Spanish: vanguardia
(noun)
Definition
the most advanced group or position in scientific research, a movement, etc.
Students have been in the vanguard of revolutionary change.
Synonyms
forefront
They are at the forefront of the campaign.
front line
cutting edge
leaders
front
Her husband is fighting at the front.
van
spearhead
forerunners
front rank
trailblazers
advance guard
trendsetters
Opposites
back
,
rear
,
rearguard
,
tail end
Additional synonyms
in the sense of front
Definition
the total area in which opposing armies face each other