What does veteran mean?
Veteran is chiefly a noun for a person who has served in the armed forces, especially one with wartime service. By extension, it describes anyone with substantial experience in a demanding field, such as teaching, medicine, journalism, or public service. The adjective uses that experience directly: a veteran teacher is seasoned and trusted, while veteran benefits or veteran organizations concern former military personnel. In ordinary conversation, the word often carries respect because it implies endurance, competence, and familiarity with difficult circumstances. It can also sound institutional or self-important when applied casually, so context matters. The verb form is rare and means to treat or designate someone as a veteran. The word is etymologically revealing: it comes from a Latin term meaning “old,” but its modern English sense developed through military usage, in which age signified accumulated service and experience rather than merely age. It is a useful word because it unites history, identity, and professional experience.
A person who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has served in wartime; by extension, a person with extensive experience in a profession or field.
"The association welcomes veterans from several branches of the armed forces."
The word can refer to current or former military personnel, but it commonly evokes wartime service or substantial experience.
Long-serving or experienced in a particular role; relating to former military personnel or their service.
"She was a veteran campaigner for rural conservation."
In institutional contexts, it may form compound expressions referring to military veterans or services provided to them.
To treat or designate someone as a veteran, especially by granting them veteran status.
"The committee veteranized the retired officer as its honorary adviser."
This form is rare and occurs chiefly in North American usage.
The standard plural is veterans, with the second syllable remaining unstressed.
"The reunion honored veterans from several wartime deployments."
Veteran began as a Latin word meaning “old,” but its modern meaning was forged in the military, where age came to represent endurance and experience rather than mere seniority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veteran come from?
English borrowed the word from French vétéran in the early 17th century, ultimately from Latin veteranus, an adjective meaning “old” that was also used for an experienced or long-serving soldier. Latin veteranus derives from vetus, “old.” The same old-root family includes veterinary and veterinarian, while veterancy preserves the older abstract sense of veteran status or experience.
Related word forms
How veteran is actually used
As a noun, the word normally conveys respect for military service or substantial professional experience. As an adjective, it describes someone seasoned or long-serving, and it can also form institutional phrases relating to military service. The verb form is rare and chiefly occurs in formal or informal North American usage.
Easily confused with veteran
A veterinarian is a doctor who treats animals, whereas a veteran is an experienced person, especially a former service member.