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

Dog owners can provide proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination from their own veterinarian or another provider to purchase a dog license during January. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Pet owners whose animals may have consumed recalled pet food are advised to contact a veterinarian due to risks such as leptospirosis. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026

If so, speak with your veterinarian about a good plan starting with some replacement formula and then start weaning them with the introduction of soft puppy food. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026

The law prohibits veterinarians from declawing cats except when medically necessary. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 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