WordWeb Online

1. A serviceman who has seen considerable active service
   "the veterans laughed at the new recruits";
   - veteran soldier
    
2. A person who has served in the armed forces
   - vet [N. Amer, informal], ex-serviceman
    
3. An experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
   - old-timer [informal], oldtimer [informal], old hand, warhorse, old stager, stager

1. Rendered competent through trial and experience
   "veteran steadiness"; "a veteran officer";
   - seasoned

Derived forms: veterans

See also: experienced, experient

Type of: expert, man, military man, military personnel, serviceman, servicewoman

Part of: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Encyclopedia: Veteran, Queensland