veteran veteran /ˈvɛtrən/

adjective

1. () Rendered competent through trial and experience  ( seasoned , veteran )
   rendered competent through trial and experience
    A seasoned traveler
   a seasoned traveler
    Veteran steadiness
   veteran steadiness
    A veteran officer
   a veteran officer
   

noun

1. () A serviceman who has seen considerable active service  ( veteran soldier , veteran )
   a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
    The veterans laughed at the new recruits
   the veterans laughed at the new recruits
   
2. () An experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service  ( old hand , old stager , old-timer [Informal] , oldtimer [Informal] , stager , veteran , warhorse )
   an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
     The decorated veteran served bravely in the military, defending their country.
   The decorated veteran served bravely in the military, defending their country.
   
3. () A person who has served in the armed forces  ( ex-serviceman , vet [Informal, N. American] , veteran )
   a person who has served in the armed forces
     The seasoned veteran shared war stories with younger soldiers, passing on his wisdom.
   The seasoned veteran shared war stories with younger soldiers, passing on his wisdom.