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.
There's no denying that teacup pets are simply adorable, but looking past the puppy-like fur, veterinarians question the ethics of breeding such a small animal. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 In their perspective published Saturday in the New England Journal of Medicine, a veterinarian and an oncologist quickly point out the social determinants of health at play in this scenario. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 According to the facility, the coyote’s activity and apparent health seem good, but veterinarians will have to examine her up close before making any official diagnoses. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Some pet insurers offer direct payment to participating veterinarians, but that isn't as common. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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