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.
His mother shared stories about his love for history and baseball as a child and his dreams to become a veterinarian. — Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025 Pets with these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian. — Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025 Following the treatment, the veterinarian said the feline was transferred to a foster home as her own home was at full capacity. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 They were examined by the Animal Services veterinarian team, and are all in good condition and expected to be available for adoption within a few days. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025 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

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veterinarian
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Cite this Entry

“Veterinarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veterinarian. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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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