noun
vet
An informal word for veteran.
The Army vet shares stories about his years of service.
Etymology
Vet is an informal shortening of veteran. It retains the meaning of an experienced person or former service member.
More examples
- Several vets march together in the Memorial Day parade.
- As a restaurant vet, she handles the dinner rush calmly.
- My grandfather is a Navy vet who served overseas.
Forms
vet · vets
Similar words
- veteran
- Veteran is the full form, suitable for formal writing.