van

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
  2. noun the leading units moving at the head of an army
  3. noun (Great Britain) a closed railroad car that carries baggage or freight

Etymology

Short for caravan.

In classic literature

Synonyms

avant-garde, vanguard, new wave

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