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

But the moment that deeply moved his former manager came in the top of the first, as the veteran shortstop readied himself for his first at-bat at Fenway as a visiting player. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

In a quality start that went six-plus innings, the right-handed veteran allowed one run and walked one while scattering five hits and notching nine strikeouts. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026

One veteran who, as a Jew, did feel excluded in the military during the 1970s (when he was hazed and even beaten), is Mikey Weinstein. —Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026

The recognition will be presented as part of the second annual ceremony spotlighting storytelling that highlights the veteran experience in film and media. —Kennedy French, Variety, 3 Apr. 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