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 this instance, talk to your veterinarian. Nagelschneider recommends disinfecting plastic pet brushes on the top rack of the dishwasher with a gentle, heat-free drying cycle. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025

But over time, Gluck told me, conversations with students and veterinarians slowly opened his mind. —Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025

If decoupling legislation passes, the performance-horse world would survive but be wounded without as many Thoroughbred horses and farms to support the region’s veterinarians, tack shops, feed stores and farmers growing hay and producing grain and straw. —Mark Casse, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025

The female snake was taken to an animal hospital for evaluation and veterinarians determined the wounds were life-threatening. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 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