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

At the American Legion veterans post in the Palisades, hundreds gathered at a military-style white-glove ceremony to pay respects to the 12 families who lost loved ones in the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, they shape school lunches, meals served in the military and at veterans’ hospitals, and federal nutrition programs.

From Barron's

The energy veteran expects non-OECD countries will drive up demand, with an industry transition to green energy also requiring more fossil fuel.

From MarketWatch

They also acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who had worked with Carroll in Seattle, to take the reins at quarterback.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was an Air Force veteran who had done tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

From Salon

Related Words

• old-time
• skilled
• trained