veteran

[ vet-er-uhn, ve-truhn ]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Words From

• non·veter·an noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of veteran¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of veteran¹

C16: from Latin veterānus, from vetus old

Related Words

• expert
• pro
• vet