van in WordNet English dictionary

1. any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
   avant-garde  vanguard  van  new wave 
   
2. a camper equipped with living quarters
   van  caravan 
   
3. a truck with an enclosed cargo space
   van 
   
4. (Great Britain) a closed railroad car that carries baggage or freight
   van 
   
5. the leading units moving at the head of an army
   vanguard  van