van

Universal Words noun 1 a covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, used for carrying goods or people: a furniture / removal van * a police van (= for carrying police officers or prisoners) * a delivery van * a van driver 2 (AmE) a covered vehicle with side windows, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, that can carry about twelve passengers 3 (BrE) a closed railway carriage for carrying bags, cases, etc. or mail: a mail / luggage van IDIOMS in the van (BrE, formal) at the front or in the leading position: These artists felt themselves in the van of the movement, true pioneers.