æˈvɑ̃t.ɡɑːd ˌɑˌvɑntˈɡɑɹd ˈkæɹəvæn ˈvænˌɡɑɹd ˈvanˌɡɑːd ˈvɛnˌɡɐːd a truck with an enclosed cargo space a camper equipped with living quarters (Great Britain) a closed railroad car that carries baggage or freight the leading units moving at the head of an army any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)