Meaning & use

veteran

noun·Everyday

A person who has served in the armed forces, especially during a war.

See it in a sentence

The parade honored local veterans who had fought overseas decades earlier.

Her grandfather, a veteran of two conflicts, rarely spoke about his experiences.

A note on using this word

Veteran is also used more broadly for anyone highly experienced in a field, as in 'a veteran journalist.'

Words with a similar meaning

ex-serviceman

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Having had long experience in a particular field or activity.

The veteran pilot calmly guided the plane through the sudden storm.

Make it your own

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