vet

play

noun \ˈvet\

Definition of vet

: veterinarian, veterinary

Examples of vet in a Sentence

I have to take my dog to the vet.

First Known Use of vet

1848

vet

adjective or noun

Definition of vet

: veteran

Examples of vet in a Sentence

They vetted her thoroughly before offering her the job.
The book was vetted by several different editors.
He's already vetted the plan, so we can start right away.

First Known Use of vet

1848

vet

verb

Definition of vet

vetted

;

vetting

transitive verb
1a : to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance vet the candidates for a positionb : to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction vet a manuscript
2a : to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person)b : to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup

vetter

noun

See vet defined for English-language learners

A Brief History of the Verb vet

When we vet a statement for accuracy or vet a candidate for a position, what are we doing, literally? Does the verb have something to do with veteran "a person with long experience," perhaps indicating that the thing or person vetted is proved to be tried and true?

Interestingly, the word is not related to veteran at all, but rather to veterinarian "an animal doctor." That noun was shortened to vet by the mid-19th century and, within decades, gave rise to a verb vet meaning "to subject (an animal) to medical examination." The verb was soon applied to human beings as well, broadening in sense to "to perform a medical checkup on." By the early 20th century, this word took on the figurative meaning that is now most familiar: "to subject a person or thing to scrutiny; to examine for flaws."

First Known Use of vet

1875

VET Defined for English Language Learners

vet

verb

Definition of vet for English Language Learners

: to investigate (someone) thoroughly to see if they should be approved or accepted for a job
: to check (something) carefully to make sure it is acceptable