Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An organization of United States war veterans: "Veterans of Foreign Wars" refers specifically to a congressionally-chartered fraternal organization in the United States, membership in which is restricted to U.S. military veterans who served in overseas combat zones.

Usage

• The term "Veterans of Foreign Wars" is used as the official name of the organization. It is typically preceded by the definite article "the" when referring to the organization as an entity.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• The organization is often referred to by its initials, VFW. This acronym is commonly used in place of the full name.
  • Example: The local VFW post is hosting a charity breakfast.
• The term can be used attributively to describe things related to the organization.
  • Example: She attended the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention.

Variants and Related Words

• VFW: The standard and widely used acronym for Veterans of Foreign Wars.
• VFW Post: A local chapter or lodge of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.
  • Example: VFW Post 2460 donated to the school.

Synonyms

• Veterans' organization: A general term for any group formed by military veterans. (Note: This is a broader, less specific term than the proper noun "Veterans of Foreign Wars".)

Notes on Meaning

• It is critical to distinguish the proper noun "Veterans of Foreign Wars" (the organization) from the general descriptive phrase "veterans of foreign wars" (which could refer to any individuals who are veterans of wars fought abroad). The dictionary entry is for the former.
• The organization's membership criteria are specific: honorably discharged U.S. military service members who have served in an overseas war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge or medal was awarded.

Noun

1. an organization of United States war veterans