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
avant-gard·ism
(¦)ä-ˌvän(t)-ˈgär-ˌdi-zəm
¦a-,
ə-ˈvänt-ˌgär-;
¦a-ˌvōⁿ-ˈgär-,
¦a-ˌvȯn(t)-
plural -s
: predilection for or practice of intellectual or artistic experimentalism : participation in activity or effort associated with the avant-garde
Examples of avant-garde in a Sentence
Noun (1)
to the theater world's avant-garde, the melodrama seemed like a very old-fashioned play whose time had come and gone
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
At the same time, a different kind of American designer began reshaping Paris from the avant-garde side.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
The fact that this description calls forth the spirit of a Situationist dérive should serve as a reminder that in all this there is overlap not just with sixties counterculture broadly speaking, but rather more specifically with its avant-garde, in California groups such as the Diggers.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
The sculptural silhouette and earthy embellishments create an editorial, bohemian aesthetic that feels equal parts cultural homage and avant-garde styling statement.
—Larry Stansbury, InStyle, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
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Noun
Richard Mille is no stranger to colorful, avant-garde timepieces.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
At the same time, a different kind of American designer began reshaping Paris from the avant-garde side.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
The fact that this description calls forth the spirit of a Situationist dérive should serve as a reminder that in all this there is overlap not just with sixties counterculture broadly speaking, but rather more specifically with its avant-garde, in California groups such as the Diggers.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
The sculptural silhouette and earthy embellishments create an editorial, bohemian aesthetic that feels equal parts cultural homage and avant-garde styling statement.
—Larry Stansbury, InStyle, 25 May 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 10 Jun. 2026.
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