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

Fall brings some unexpected outdoor health hazards for dogs, veterinarians warn, including activities that appear fun on the surface. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024

Like PAs in human medicine, vet PAs will be trained to perform many of the same routine tasks as a veterinarian, helping improve and expand access to high-quality care. —Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2024

Over 200 birds and other animals were found in the home of a 75-year-old veterinarian in New York. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024

Only in the aftermath of the mayhem did the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association begin requiring on-site veterinarians at all their more than 600 annual rodeos. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

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