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

Cornell’s veterinary college notes that these bursts show up around many triggers — after waking, during play, when an owner comes home — but bathing is one of the most consistent. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The company now operates in 35 states, up from eight at launch, as more states loosen restrictions on veterinary telemedicine. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Noun

If your pet becomes confused, vomits, has diarrhea, collapses or experiences seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026

The comprehensive veterinary screening the zoo described will determine what options exist for the animal. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026

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