veterinarian

noun

vet·​er·​i·​nar·​i·​an ˌve-tə-rə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce veterinarian (audio) ˌve-trə- How to pronounce veterinarian (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Contact your veterinarian or local extension agent right away. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals. — Derek James, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Pet owners can make appointments online, and all procedures will be performed by a licensed veterinarian, according to a press release. — Mary Ella Hastings july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Digging is a natural behavior that makes dogs happy, according to UC Davis veterinarians. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for veterinarian

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of veterinarian was in 1646

Rhymes for veterinarian

See All Rhymes for veterinarian

Browse Nearby Words

Veterans Day
veterinarian
veterinary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Veterinarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veterinarian. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

veterinarian

noun
vet·​er·​i·​nar·​i·​an ˌvet-ə-rən-ˈer-ē-ən How to pronounce veterinarian (audio) ˌve-trən- How to pronounce veterinarian (audio)
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 How to pronounce veterinarian (audio) ˌve-trən- How to pronounce veterinarian (audio)
ˌvet-ᵊn-
: a person qualified and authorized to practice veterinary medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on veterinarian

Nglish: Translation of veterinarian for Spanish Speakers

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