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Added 9 October 2026

veteran

/ˈvɛ.tə.ɹən/ noun

In Latin: ēmeritus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about veteran at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A serviceman who has seen considerable active service.
the veterans laughed at the new recruits
A person who has served in the armed forces.
An experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service.

adjective

Rendered competent through trial and experience.
a seasoned traveler

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French vétéran, from Latin veterānus.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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