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

Example Sentences

On Tuesday he even chose another reality show veteran, Fox Business host and former congressman Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation.

From Salon

Certainly, they will add another starting pitcher or two — Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is one leading candidate — and they will probably add a bullpen arm and veteran journeyman outfielder.

From Los Angeles Times

They argue that focusing on housing people regardless of their sobriety status has led to successes, like a recent drop in veteran homelessness, that would be undermined if Trump reverses course.

From Los Angeles Times

The hunting veteran said he felt their way was the best way of "keeping tradition alive", but admitted the "older generation" see him as "a Judas" who has "sold out".

From BBC

The Israeli military said in a statement that Afif was a “central and veteran figure in the organization who greatly influenced Hezbollah’s military activity” and “glorified and incited” attacks on Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• expert
• pro
• vet