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

That’s what attracted CEO Luba Greenwood, a biotech veteran, to the company. — Allison Deangelis, STAT, 15 July 2026

But the Falcons, Zaccheaus said, have a lot of older veterans who’ve been around the league and can step up to lead when necessary — there are 12 players on the roster entering Year 8 and above. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Founded by a pair of YouTube veterans, Promise already has been combining tech-y outsiders with traditional entertainment. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

The Challenge is officially moving to Paramount+ for Season 42 as a mix of veterans and newcomers compete in Thailand. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 July 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