English Reference
noun · adjective

veteran

n. · adj.
US /ˈvɛtɝən/ UK /vˈɛtəɹən/ vet·er·an UK spelling veteran's, veteran's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who was a member of the army, navy, or air force, especially during a war.

    n.a person who has served in the armed forces, particularly one who has seen combat or served during a period of conflict.

    Simple

    The town held a parade to honour the veterans who fought in the war.

    In context

    The government announced a new initiative to provide mental health support and vocational training for veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

    Usage

    Often used with 'war' as in 'war veteran'.

    ex servicemanex servicewoman
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.someone who has done a job or activity for a long time and knows it very well.

    n.an individual with long-standing experience and expertise in a specific field or activity.

    Simple

    As a veteran of the tech industry, she knew exactly how to handle the crisis.

    In context

    The political veteran navigated the complex negotiations with a level of poise that only decades of experience could provide.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.having a lot of experience in a particular area.

    adj.possessing extensive experience or having served for a long period in a specific capacity.

    Simple

    The team signed a veteran player to help lead the younger athletes.

    In context

    The veteran journalist refused to publish the story until she had verified the claims with three independent sources.

Wes Moore, Maryland’s Democratic governor and a military veteran, on Sunday also sharply criticized Trump’s response to concerns about the mental health and living conditions of those aboard the Lincoln.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

The group, called Swift Partners, includes several seasoned retail veterans, one of them a former boss of Co-operative Group.

BBC News· 6 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Middle French vétéran, from Latin veterānus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin veterānus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated