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.
Meanwhile, veterinarians warn that some tasty treats that are fine for humans, such as chocolate, can be dangerous for dogs. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 At the next stop, veterinarians accredited by the Mexican government look for open wounds, signs of illness or other injuries. — Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Nina Sosanya voices the local veterinarian, who discovers strange objects inside her animal patients and suspects Bigfoot is on the loose, while Bitzer sets out to find his missing master. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 But a few times in recent years, Hollins, a veterinarian, tricked Jonathan and slid a cotton swab into the giant tortoise's mouth to get a saliva sample. — Kyle Melnick The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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