VETERAN

[noun] [C] - a person who has had a lot of experience of a particular activity in the pastHe's a 20-year veteran of the New York Police Department.Francis is a veteran of 15 international matches.The new national security adviser is a veteran of the former president's staff.She's a veteran campaigner for human rights.The after-dinner speaker was a veteran actor.A veteran (US informal vet) is also someone who has been in the armed forces, (UK) esp. an old person.Everyone sat in silence as a young Vietnam veteran spoke about his experiences during the war.The ceremony was attended by veterans of World War II.(UK) Veteran also means old.He collects veteran cars (= cars made before 1905). Compare vintage (HIGH QUALITY).(humorous) She rides around on a veteran bicycle.Veterans Day in the US and Canada is a legal holiday on November 11th, when people honour members of their countries' armed forces who have fought in wars.