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

You veterinarian can dose accordingly. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025

If your dog shows any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian right away. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025

If your dog displays signs of gastrointestinal upset (such as vomiting or diarrhea) or illness, contact your veterinarian immediately. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025

Consumers whose dogs have consumed any of the affected product and are exhibiting these symptoms should contact their veterinarian. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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