veterinarian

noun

vet·​er·​i·​nar·​i·​an ˌve-tə-rə-ˈner-ē-ən  ˌve-trə- 

ˌve-tə-ˈner-

plural veterinarians

: a person qualified and authorized to practice veterinary medicine

Other diagnostic procedures that may be used include imaging techniques such as ultrasound and bronchoscopy, which enables a veterinarian to examine the interior of an animal's airway …

—Tom Ewing

If your cat shows signs of anaphylaxis, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

—Amy D. Shojai

Examples of veterinarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Flea, tick medications can stop an infestation Humane society officials and veterinarians said shelters across Texas are trying to prevent infestations in animals by giving them prescription flea and tick medications. — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

If your pet was bitten, take them to a veterinarian immediately. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Even if your dog seems to recover, follow up with a veterinarian. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian at the American Kennel Club, put it plainly in an interview with Wirecutter. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for veterinarian

• antiquarian
• libertarian
• millenarian
• nonsectarian
• proletarian
• sanitarian
• trinitarian
• unitarian
• vegetarian
• agrarian
• aquarian
• barbarian

Kids Definition

veterinarian

noun

vet·​er·​i·​nar·​i·​an ˌvet-ə-rən-ˈer-ē-ən  ˌve-trən- 

ˌvet-ᵊn-

: a person who is qualified and has been given the authority to treat diseases and injuries of animals

Medical Definition

veterinarian

noun

vet·​er·​i·​nar·​i·​an ˌvet-ə-rən-ˈer-ē-ən  ˌve-trən- 

ˌvet-ᵊn-

: a person qualified and authorized to practice veterinary medicine