1. A serviceman who has seen considerable active service
   "the veterans laughed at the new recruits"; "The veteran soldier's medals told the story of his long military career";
   - veteran soldier
    
2. A person who has served in the armed forces
   "The veteran shared stories of his time in the military";
   - vet [N. Amer, informal]
    
3. An experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
   "The veteran shared his wisdom with the new recruits";
   - 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 [archaic]

Type of: expert, military personnel, servicewoman

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

Encyclopedia: Veteran, Queensland