noun
1 sb who has served in the army, navy, etc.
ADJECTIVE
▪ combat ( esp. AmE ), war
▪ army , military , navy
▪ decorated ( esp. AmE )
▪ battle-hardened
▪ ageing/aging , old
▪ retired
▪ disabled , wounded
▪ returning ( esp. AmE )
▪ Vietnam , World War Two , etc.
VERB + VETERAN
▪ honour/honor
▪
Were ~s honoured and adequately rewarded for their sacrifice?
VETERAN + VERB
▪ fight , serve
▪
~s who served in Vietnam
▪ return
▪
Veterans returned to heroes' welcomes.
PREPOSITION
▪ ~ of
▪
a ~ of World War Two
2 sb with long experience of an activity, etc.
ADJECTIVE
▪ battle-scarred , grizzled , long-time ( esp. AmE ), seasoned
▪
He is now a grizzled ~ of TV shows.
▪
He's a seasoned ~ of the political establishment.
▪ wily
▪ eight-year , seven-year , etc.
▪
an eight-year ~ of the New York Yankees
▪ industry
VETERAN + NOUN
▪ campaigner , leader , politician
▪ broadcaster , reporter
▪ actor , director
▪ defender , pitcher , player , quarterback , etc. ( sports )
PREPOSITION
▪ ~ of
▪
a ~ of numerous political campaigns