veteran
Other forms: veterans
Veteran commonly refers to someone who has fought in a war––think Veterans' Day, the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial––but, in fact, the word can mean anyone with experience in a particular field.
Many veterans of World War II went to college afterward, through the G.I. Bill, and pursued professional careers. At the end of those careers, it was not unusual to find among the ranks of veteran teachers or veteran attorneys or veteran doctors men who were also veterans of the war.
Definitions of veteran
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a person who has served in the armed forces
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synonyms:
ex-serviceman, vet
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types:
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Legionnaire
a member of the American Legion
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type of:
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man, military man, military personnel, serviceman
someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force
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Legionnaire
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a soldier who has seen considerable active service“the veterans laughed at the new recruits”
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synonyms:
veteran soldier
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type of:
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man, military man, military personnel, serviceman
someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force
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man, military man, military personnel, serviceman
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an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
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rendered competent through trial and experience“veteran steadiness”“a veteran officer”
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synonyms:
seasoned
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experienced, experient
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
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experienced, experient
Pronunciation
US
/ˈvɛtrɪn/
UK
/ˈvɛtərən/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘veteran'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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