ˌä-ˌvän(t)-ˈgärd 
ˌa-;
ə-ˈvänt-ˌgärd;
ˌa-ˌvōⁿ-ˈgärd,
ˌa-ˌvȯn(t)-ˈgärd
: an intelligentsia that develops new or experimental concepts especially in the arts
the avant-garde in the film industry
: of or relating to an avant-garde
avant-garde writers
an avant-garde filmmaker
Examples of avant-garde in a Sentence
Noun
to the theater world's avant-garde, the melodrama seemed like a very old-fashioned play whose time had come and gone
Adjective
a very avant-garde artist whose works wouldn't even be considered art by many traditionalists
Recent Examples on the Web
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
Throughout history, dedicated enclaves, such as the avant-garde artists of the early 20th century and urban subcultures of the late 20th century, have pursued innovation without the promise of immediate financial reward.
—W. David Marx, The Atlantic, 25 Nov. 2025
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025
Robb Report has curated a list spanning everything from dress options to sporty chonrographs to avant-garde creations.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
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Noun
Cinephiles will draw comparison with avant-garde filmmaker Ken Jacobs’ 1955 documentary short, Orchard Street.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
Throughout history, dedicated enclaves, such as the avant-garde artists of the early 20th century and urban subcultures of the late 20th century, have pursued innovation without the promise of immediate financial reward.
—W. David Marx, The Atlantic, 25 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Like Consani, Visser is leading the next generation of fashion and beauty changemakers, blending his red carpet makeup expertise with his avant-garde artistry.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025
Robb Report has curated a list spanning everything from dress options to sporty chonrographs to avant-garde creations.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Cite this Entry
“Avant-garde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avant-garde. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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