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

One kitten was found dead in the roadway, while a second suffered a dislocated tail and scratches to its ears and was treated by veterinarians. — Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

To be clear, Heather Owens was also a lab technician and a veterinarian-pathologist. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

When asked how the candidates would stabilize animal agriculture, Klobuchar mentioned protecting animals from diseases like avian flu and hiring more large-animal veterinarians. — Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2026

An equine veterinarian with a mobile X-ray machine stepped in, confirming both legs were broken. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 4 Aug. 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