How to pronounce vanguard
Say it like VAN-gard. Vanguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vanguard. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAN
- gard
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vanguard pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- gardGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of vanguard
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: VAN-gahd.
What does vanguard mean?
- 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)
- the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field“the Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England”“the idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy”
Where does vanguard come from?
From Middle English vandgard, vaunte garde, vaunt garde, wantgard, from advaunte-garde, avauntgard with aphesis, from Old French avangarde, avant-garde, avantgarde, from avant (“before; in front”) + garde (“guard”).
Questions about saying vanguard
How do you pronounce vanguard?
Say VAN-gard. The American pronunciation is /ˈvænˌɡɑrd/. In British English it is /ˈvænˌɡɑːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vanguard?
Vanguard has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAN). Broken into parts: VAN · gard.
Is vanguard pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈvænˌɡɑːd/ (VAN-gahd).