veterinary

American  

[vet-er-uh-ner-ee, ve-truh-] / ˈvɛt ər əˌnɛr i, ˈvɛ trə- /

noun

plural

veterinaries

1. a veterinarian.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the medical and surgical treatment of animals, especially domesticated animals.

veterinary British  

/ ˈvɛtrɪnrɪ, ˈvɛtərɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to veterinary medicine

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Other Word Forms

• nonveterinary adjective

Etymology

Origin of veterinary

1780–90; < Latin veterīnārius, equivalent to veterīn ( ae ) beasts of burden (noun use of feminine plural of veterīnus pertaining to such beasts, equivalent to veter-, stem of vetus old, i.e., grown, able to take a load + -īnus -ine ¹ ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

The ABI, which represents insurers, says record pet insurance payouts have been "driven largely by the rising cost of veterinary care" and reiterated the importance of choosing the right cover.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

There is also potential for use in veterinary care, since gum disease in dogs and cats has similar underlying causes.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

“The entangled line severely damaged a front flipper, cutting off blood supply,” Dr. Lance Adams, the aquarium’s director of veterinary services, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He could sell to fund his wife Sarah Blanchett’s future veterinary practice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

I wish I knew something of veterinary medicine.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck