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

• vet
• expert
• professional
• old-timer
• warhorse
• master

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

Its proposals to support grocery stores in stocking more produce, introduce markets to food deserts, serve healthy meals to students and veterans, and limit junk-food ads targeted at children all sound promising, but the report offers few specifics on implementation. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025

According to a statement from the North Little Rock police Department, Norman, a 27-year veteran of the department, was charged with one count of domestic battery in the third degree. —Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025

The Russian veteran made headlines during a historic 2021 competitive season, leading the Russian Olympic Committee to gold over Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics and winning the 2021 World all-around title. —Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

An Iraq War veteran who in 2014 jumped the White House fence and ran into the building with a knife was sentenced to 17 months in prison. —Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025

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