Definition of "veteran" []

• A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity: a veteran of political campaigns. (noun)
• A person who has served in the armed forces: "Privilege, a token income . . . were allowed for veterans of both world wars” ( Mavis Gallant). (noun)
• An old soldier who has seen long service. (noun)
• Having had long experience or practice: a veteran actor. (adjective)
• Of or relating to former members of the armed forces: veteran benefits. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term veteran conveys more than a rank held in the past, military service forms priorities and commitments that last for a lifetime."
• ""I'd like to make sure the term veteran is only a symbolisation of our ages, nothing more,""
• ""I really don't like the term veteran," said Hessert."