Definition of Vanguard

Noun: vanguard 'van,gaa(r)d

The leading units moving at the head of an army
- van
Any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
- avant-garde, van, new wave
The position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field
"the Cotswolds were once at the vanguard of woollen manufacturing in England";
- forefront, cutting edge