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

During the three-day trial, prosecutors disclosed Huitzilin’s full name, his wife’s full name, the names and ages of their children, their now-former home address and details about Huitzilin’s career as a federal agent and military combat veteran. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026

The 47-year-old Marine veteran, who served four tours in Iraq, first made waves by beating a nine-term incumbent in the 2014 Democratic primary for his House seat. —Juliegrace Brufke, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026

Of the team’s approach with Powell, Spoelstra said there was ample prudence before the veteran guard was cleared. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026

Campos is a Navy veteran and pension analyst for the Teamsters union which, according to campaign contribution data, has been a key financial supporter. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 27 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