noun

vanguard

vanguard, forefront, leading position

The company is in the vanguard of technology.

The company is in the vanguard of technology.

She was part of the vanguard of the feminist movement.

She was part of the vanguard of the feminist movement.

((the vanguard of sth.)) the leading position in a movement or field The company is in the vanguard of technology.

Synonyms: forefront, cutting edge, pioneers; Antonyms: rearguard, followers

From Old French 'avant-garde', from 'avant' meaning 'before' and 'garde' meaning 'guard'. Originally a military term for the advance guard.

Think of a 'van' that 'guards' the front of a group or army. It's the leading part.

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