a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like

a veteran of the police force; a veteran of many sports competitions.

a person who has served in a military force, esp. one who has fought in a war

a Vietnam veteran.

(of soldiers) having had service or experience in warfare

veteran troops.

experienced through long service or practice; having served for a long period

a veteran member of Congress.

of, pertaining to, or characteristic of veterans.

adjective

amateur , green , inexperienced

noun

rookie

adjective

adept , battle-scarred , been around , disciplined , exercised , expert , from way back , hardened , inured , knows one’s stuff , long-serving , long-time , not born yesterday * , of the old school , old , old-time , practical , practiced , pro * , proficient , skilled , sophisticated , steady , trained , up to speed , versed , vet , weathered , wise , wise to ways , worldly , seasoned , venerable

noun

expert , gi * , old guard * , old hand * , old pro , old salt , old soldier , old-timer * , pro , shellback , sourdough , trouper , vet , warhorse , old hand , disciplined , experienced , gi , master , old-timer , oldster , old timer , patriarch , patrician , practiced , professional , seasoned , skilled , stager , weathered , wise