veterinary

1 of 2

adjective

vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈve-tə-rə-ˌner-ē  ˈve-trə- 

ˈve-tə-ˌner-

: of, relating to, practicing, or being the science and art of prevention, cure, or alleviation of disease and injury in animals and especially domestic animals

a veterinary clinic

veterinary

2 of 2

noun

plural veterinaries

: veterinarian

Examples of veterinary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The event raised funds for dog rescues and veterinary care around the world. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

The city will also save on the cost of paying a farrier (an equine hoof care professional) and veterinary services. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Noun

Report from the veterinary is all puppies are recovering well. — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

Her own love for the species, along with animals of all kinds, influenced her decision to study veterinary before realizing the job wasn't for her. — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin veterinarius of beasts of burden, from veterinae beasts of burden, from feminine plural of veterinus of beasts of burden; akin to Latin veter-, vetus old

First Known Use

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing veterinary

• veterinary medicine
• veterinary surgeon

Rhymes for veterinary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Kids Definition

veterinary

1 of 2 adjective

vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈvet-ə-rən-ˌer-ē  ˈve-trən- 

ˈvet-ᵊn-

: of, relating to, or being the medical care of animals

veterinary medicine

veterinary

2 of 2 noun

plural veterinaries

: veterinarian

Medical Definition

veterinary

1 of 2 adjective

vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈvet-ə-rən-ˌer-ē  ˈve-trən- 

ˈvet-ᵊn-

: of, relating to, or being veterinary medicine

veterinary

2 of 2 noun

plural veterinaries

: veterinarian