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veterinarian

American  
[vet-er-uh-nair-ee-uhn, ve-truh-] / ˌvɛt ər əˈnɛər i ən, ˌvɛ trə- /

noun

  1. a person who practices veterinary medicine or surgery.


veterinarian British  
/ ˌvɛtərɪˈnɛərɪən, ˌvɛtrɪ- /

noun

  1. Also called: veterinary surgeon.  a person suitably qualified and registered to practise veterinary medicine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of veterinarian

1640–50; < Latin veterīnāri ( us ) veterinary + -an

Explanation

A veterinarian is a doctor for animals. When it’s time for your dog to get his shots, you take him to the veterinarian. A veterinarian is someone who treats, cures, and prevents diseases in animals. If you want to become a veterinarian, start studying hard! Much like a people doctor, a veterinarian must have formal training before practicing — typically 4 years of veterinary medicine coursework after completing an undergraduate degree. The word veterinarian is often shortened to “vet.” You might look at your dog and say, “Time to go to the vet!”

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Vocabulary lists containing veterinarian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the press conference, New Mexico Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps emphasised that hantavirus infections are extremely rare.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2025

Veterinarian Kay Russo, who played a key role in detecting the first H5N1 infection in cattle, says the order puts too little responsibility on milk processors.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 25, 2024

State Veterinarian Annette Jones said that she works fluidly with multiple state and federal agencies, such as the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2024

Veterinarian Nancy Pillsbury examined 3-year-old Mishka, gave her a rabies shot and cleared her to travel home to California.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2024

As I have before submitted to the public my opinion of this instrument, I here extract from a paper which appeared in The Veterinarian for February, 1847:— THE CROCHET.

From The Dog by Dinks