veteran

The definition of a veteran is a person who has served in the military or a person who has obtained a lot of experience in a particular field.

(noun)

An example of a veteran is someone who served in the army.
A person who has worked for 20 years in the field of social work is an example of someone who would be described as a veteran in the field.

See veteran in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: L veteranus < vetus (gen. veteris), old < IE base *wet-, year > wether, Gr etos, year

noun

1. an old, experienced soldier, etc., esp. one who served in time of war
2. any person who has served in the armed forces
a person of long experience in some occupation or position

See veteran in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity: a veteran of political campaigns.
A person who has served in the armed forces: “Privilege, a token income . . . were allowed for veterans of both world wars” (Mavis Gallant).
An old soldier who has seen long service.

adjective