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

The Humane Society of Pinellas said Sarah is up for adoption after a veterinarian brought her in pregnant over the summer. —Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

In general, consult a veterinarian to see if a certain food fits into your turtle's diet. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Rocky, meanwhile, was carried by multiple officers to a waiting helicopter in the parking lot and was transported to a local veterinarian's office where he was listed in stable condition, Houston Public Media reported. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025

In an interview, Matthew Fullen remained particularly upset that sheriff’s deputies hadn’t waited for a veterinarian to look at the calving cow before shooting it. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025

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