Definition

1. Noun:
   • An organization of United States war veterans: VFW is a proper noun referring to a specific national fraternal organization for military veterans who served in overseas conflicts. The name is an initialism for "Veterans of Foreign Wars."

Usage

• As a proper noun: Always capitalized. It functions as the name of the organization and is typically used with the definite article "the" when referring to the organization as an entity.
  • He is a lifelong member of the VFW.
  • The local VFW post is hosting a community breakfast.

Advanced Usage

• Referring to a local chapter: Often used with "post" to specify a local chapter or meeting place of the organization.
  • She volunteers at VFW Post 1234 every weekend.

Variants and Related Words

• Veterans of Foreign Wars: The full, unabbreviated name of the organization.
• VFW post: A local chapter or the physical building belonging to the organization.
• Veterans organization: A general term for any group representing military veterans.

Synonyms

• Veterans' association: A general term for an organization of former military personnel.
• Fraternal organization for veterans: Highlights the brotherhood and social aspects of the group.

Notes

• Not a common noun: "VFW" is almost exclusively used as a proper noun referring to this specific institution. It is not used as a general term for veterans or their activities outside of this organizational context.
• Initialism: It is pronounced by saying each letter: V-F-W.

Noun

1. an organization of United States war veterans