Van
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,994 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 9,002 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.004% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts) also: avant-garde, vanguard, new wave
- the leading units moving at the head of an army also: vanguard
- (Great Britain) a closed railroad car that carries baggage or freight
- a camper equipped with living quarters also: caravan
- a truck with an enclosed cargo space
Van in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Now my name is Vrouw Van der Kloot.
The Dutch Twins · Lucy Fitch Perkins · Chapter 1
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His Van Dyke beard was neatly trimmed and combed.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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Van Klopen had closed his shop, and left Paris.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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They were all noticeable men, but Joris Van Heemskirk specially so.
The Bow of Orange Ribbon · Amelia E. Barr · Chapter 1
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Old Baltus Van Tassel was a perfect picture of a thriving, contented, liberal-hearted farmer.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow · Washington Irving · Chapter 1