the leading units moving at the head of an army

[ Syn: van ]

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

[ Syn: avant-garde , van , new wave ]

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

[ Syn: forefront , cutting edge ]