vanguard
/ˈvanˌɡɑːd/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: vanguards
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The leading units at the front of an army or fleet.
Noun
Examples
They ſay, that the King diuided his Armie into three Battailes; whereof the Vant-guard onely well ſtrengthened with wings, came to fight.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The person(s) at the forefront of any group or movement.
Noun
Examples
By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “vanguard” mean?
The leading units at the front of an army or fleet.
Is “vanguard” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.