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

Bring pets to the veterinarian for regular vaccines and pest control treatments. —Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 6 June 2025

The original film followed a group of high schoolers who find an unlikely, intergenerational friend in Sue Ann Ellington, a lonesome veterinarian and devoted party animal played by Spencer. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 4 June 2025

There, aside veterinarians and caretakers, these bears embark on the journey of rehabilitation. —Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025

As California braces for a potentially record-breaking heat wave, pet experts and veterinarians are warning dog owners about the impact of extreme temperatures. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 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