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.
Before your dog takes the plunge, veterinarians say to consider their swimming ability, health and the safety of the pool area. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 29 July 2026 John’s $1,500 emergency vet bill John’s veterinarian recommends emergency surgery for his dog, totaling $1,500. — Dawn Papandrea, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 But the ethical waters are murky, and any such project should have high levels of public transparency and accountability, said Lisa Moses, a veterinarian and bioethicist at Harvard Medical School. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Dutch, which just marked its fifth anniversary, offers members video visits with veterinarians for a flat $100 a year covering up to five pets. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 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 3 Aug. 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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