veteran

noun

vet·​er·​an ˈve-tə-rən 

ˈve-trən

1

a

: a former member of the armed forces

b

: an old soldier of long service

2

: a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill (such as politics or the arts)

veteran adjective

Synonyms of veteran

• vet
• expert
• professional
• master
• warhorse

Examples of veteran in a Sentence

a veteran of the political scene

He's a 10-year veteran with the team.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2022, Horvath won her supervisorial seat, defeating former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, a political veteran. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026

Following the departure of veteran guard Tyus Jones, who Orlando sent to Charlotte on Wednesday night, first-rounder Jase Richardson was first off Orlando’s bench against Brooklyn. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

With the Americans poised to take a big lead into Saturday, the 25-year-old Sakamoto delivered with the poise and precision of a veteran. —Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

So will the Heat add veteran help or turn to development opportunities? —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin veteranus, from veteranus, adjective, old, of long experience, from veter-, vetus old — more at wether

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

veteran

noun

vet·​er·​an ˈvet-ə-rən 

ˈve-trən

1

: a person who has had long experience (as in politics or the arts)

2

: a former member of the armed forces especially during wartime

veteran adjective