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
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026
Neurosis — the long-running, avant-garde metal group — announced a reunion, of sorts, on Friday, following years of uncertainty.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Machado went on to enjoy a long career in avant-garde theater, garnering accolades for his striking and magnetic stage presence, despite his modest claims otherwise.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
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Noun
In Lohja, almost 40 miles from the Finnish capital of Helsinki, a 365-square-foot sustainable tiny house stands as a matte black, avant-garde response to modern day climate and demographic challenges.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026
Neurosis — the long-running, avant-garde metal group — announced a reunion, of sorts, on Friday, following years of uncertainty.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The kitchen runs a very cool rotating culinary collaboration with chefs from Rome’s most avant-garde eateries, alongside pop-up events and live music nights.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Machado went on to enjoy a long career in avant-garde theater, garnering accolades for his striking and magnetic stage presence, despite his modest claims otherwise.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
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 5 Apr. 2026.
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