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

In an effort to answer that question, John recently uploaded a Facebook video asking for information from veterinarians and other horse people who could offer personal evidence. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Work with your veterinarian in monitoring for any urinary changes. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

For now, the fox is eating produce and proteins at the Animal Health Center, settling into a temporary arrangement while veterinarians complete their work. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

The cardboard castle continued to prompt lessons, as children brought toy dragons to live inside it, then discussed taking pets to a veterinarian and then pivoted to dinosaurs. —Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

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