veteran

USVET-uh-ruhn/ˈvɛ.tə.ɹən/

5 meanings of veteran

1
nouncountable
Someone who has spent many years serving in the armed forces, often an old soldier.
My grandfather is a veteran who fought in two wars.
The town held a parade to honor local veterans.
Similarex-serviceman
2
nouncountable
Someone who has done a certain activity for a long time and knows it very well.
Like a player who has been on the team for many years and knows every move.
She's a veteran of the restaurant business and has seen every kind of customer.
These veterans of the stage rarely get nervous before a show.
Similarold-timer
Oppositenovice, newcomer, beginner
3
adjective
Connected to people who used to serve in the military, especially in a war.
The veteran community gathered for the memorial service.
She works for a veteran support group near the base.
4
adjective
Having done something for a long time and being very skilled at it.
The veteran teacher knew exactly how to calm the class.
A veteran pilot landed the plane safely in the storm.
Similarexperienced, seasoned
Oppositeinexperienced, novice
5
nounfigurativelycountable
A team or animal that has taken part in something many times before.
Like an old horse that has run the same race so often it knows every turn.
The old sled dog was a veteran of many long winter races.
These teams are veterans of championship finals and rarely panic.
Oppositenovice, newcomer

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It comes from Latin veteranus, taken into English through Middle French vétéran.