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.
Since the incident, the flamingo has been doing all right physically but is more anxious and nervous when being evaluated, said Peachy’s veterinarian, Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 20 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 This leaves veterinarians to rely on guidelines rooted in duration, frequency and intensity of activity. — Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026 Breeds with structural health burdens, the brachycephalic group in particular, may face continued scrutiny from veterinarians and welfare groups. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 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

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Cite this Entry

“Veterinarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veterinarian. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a person who is qualified and has been given the authority to treat diseases and injuries of animals

Medical Definition

: a person qualified and authorized to practice veterinary medicine
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