English word veteran comes from Proto-Indo-European *wétos (Year.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *wétos | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | Year. |
| *wetos | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | Year. |
| veteris | Latin (lat) | |
| veteranus | Latin (lat) | Old, veteran. |
| vétéran | Middle French (frm) | |
| veteran | English (en) | A person who has served in the armed forces, especially an old soldier who has seen long service.. A person with long experience of a particular activity. Having had long experience, practice, or service.. Of or relating to former members of the military armed forces, especially those who served during wartime. |