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

Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes ill after being in contact with rodents. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Greene and her colleague Debbie Reed also developed the surveillance kits, adapted from those used by New Mexico state veterinarians, and created a bulletin with instructions for identification, diagnosis, and treatment of New World screwworm. —Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Even as a veterinarian, McGlasson questioned how and why this happened. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025

Dean Mark Stetter said the buildout is not about chasing prestige but about preparing the next generation of veterinarians, advancing animal care, and supporting innovations that may improve human health. —Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for veterinarian

• authoritarian
• communitarian
• disciplinarian
• egalitarian
• equalitarian
• humanitarian
• majoritarian
• octogenarian
• parliamentarian
• radiolarian
• totalitarian
• utilitarian

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