1. (noun) the leading units moving at the head of an army

• van

2. (noun) any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

• avant-garde
• new wave
• van

3. (noun) the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field

• cutting edge
• forefront

1. (noun) the leading units moving at the head of an army

• army unit

2. (noun) any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

• art movement
• artistic movement

3. (noun) the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field

• perspective
• position
• view