a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
"the veterans laughed at the new recruits"
a person who has served in the armed forces
"After twenty years as a veteran, she returned home to raise her children."
A person with long experience of a particular activity.
"After thirty years of teaching, she is considered a veteran educator who knows exactly how to handle any classroom situation."
In plain English: A veteran is someone who has served and fought for their country in an army, navy, air force, or marine corps during wartime.
"The veteran soldier shared his stories with pride after returning home from service."
Usage: Use the noun form to refer specifically to someone who has served in the military and completed their active duty. When describing civilians with extensive professional experience without prior military service, use "experienced" instead of this term.
Having had long experience, practice, or service.
"The veteran firefighter quickly assessed the situation and directed everyone to safety."
In plain English: Veteran means experienced and skilled at something because you have done it for a long time.
"The veteran soldier led his team through the difficult mission with ease."
A village in Alberta, Canada.
"The historic community of Veteran is a small village located in northern Alberta, Canada."
The word veteran comes from the Latin term veterānus, which originally meant "old." It entered English through Middle French to describe someone who is experienced due to having served for a long time.