veteran

American  

[vet-er-uhn, ve-truhn] / ˈvɛt ər ən, ˈvɛ trən /

noun

1. a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like.

   a veteran of the police force; a veteran of many sports competitions.

2. a person who has served in a military force, especially one who has fought in a war.

   a Vietnam veteran.

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adjective

1. (of soldiers) having had service or experience in warfare.

   veteran troops.

2. experienced through long service or practice; having served for a long period.

   a veteran member of Congress.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of veterans.

veteran British  

/ ˈvɛtrən, ˈvɛtərən /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that has given long service in some capacity

   2. ( as modifier )

      veteran firemen

2. 1. a soldier who has seen considerable active service

   2. ( as modifier )

      veteran soldier

3. a person who has served in the military forces

4. See veteran car

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Other Word Forms

• nonveteran noun

Etymology

Origin of veteran

First recorded in 1495–1505; from Latin veterānus “mature, experienced,” from veter- (stem of vetus ) “old” + -ānus -an

Example Sentences

The veteran film executives and producers first met and became friends 30 years ago when their paths crossed on the now-forgotten dramedy “Living Out Loud.”

From Los Angeles Times

After fund launches soared to a record last year, some industry veterans said they could hardly recognize the ETF market.

From The Wall Street Journal

The home in question has been at the center of a number of controversies—and was the source of a furious legal battle between Perry and the home’s former owner, veteran Carl Westcott.

From MarketWatch

The veteran filmmaker has never won that category before.

From BBC

Playing his third official round at Riviera Country Club, the 26-year-old from South Carolina navigated the renowned course like a grizzled veteran.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• old-time
• skilled
• trained