vet

[ vet ]

/ vɛt /

Informal.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR vet ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object), vet·ted, vet·ting.

to examine or treat in one's capacity as a veterinarian or as a doctor.

to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, validity, etc.: An expert vetted the manuscript before publication.

verb (used without object), vet·ted, vet·ting.

to work as a veterinarian.

Nearby words

vesture, vesuvian, vesuvianite, vesuvianite jade, vesuvius, vet, vet., vet. med., vet. sci., vetch, vetchling

Origin of vet

First recorded in 1860–65; short for veterinarian

Definition for vet (2 of 3)

vet

[ vet ]

/ vɛt /

noun, adjective Informal.

veteran.

Origin of vet

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; shortened form

Definition for vet (3 of 3)

vet.

veteran.

veterinarian.

veterinary.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for vet

It was like witnessing the last two weeks of the life of a blind and toothless dog you knew the vet was just itching to destroy.
Dems, It’s Time to Dump Dixie|Michael Tomasky|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, the time has been spent setting up a system to vet potential recruits.
U.S. Hasn’t Even Started Training Rebel Army to Fight ISIS|Tim Mak|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Imagine being an Iraq vet who lost friends securing a place such as Fallujah only to see ISIS now seize it.
It’s Time for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Get a Parade of Their Own|Michael Daly|November 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I was taken into one by Maurice, a gnarled old Vietnam vet in a wooly hat.
Here’s a Reform Even the Koch Brothers and George Soros Can Agree On|Tina Brown|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But they take their animals to the vet precisely because they care about their animals.
U.K. Courts Grant Mother Right to End Her 12-Year-Old Disabled Daughter’s Life|Elizabeth Picciuto|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Vet River was probably their strongest position, and here they did make some attempt at a stand.
With Rimington|L. March Phillipps
Charles went across to the chimney-piece, and looked at what the vet had sent.
Thorley Weir|E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
We had the vet out from Westchurch two or three times, but there was nothing much he could do.
The History of Sir Richard Calmady|Lucas Malet
Stall of the Favourite, "Majority," who is being inspected by the great "Vet."
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, March 12, 1892|Various
The vet says he can live only a month or two longer, anyway.
Average Jones|Samuel Hopkins Adams

British Dictionary definitions for vet (1 of 3)

vet

/ (vɛt) /

noun

short for veterinary surgeon

verb vets, vetting or vetted

(tr) mainly British to make a prior examination and critical appraisal of (a person, document, scheme, etc)the candidates were well vetted See also positive vetting

to examine, treat, or cure (an animal)

British Dictionary definitions for vet (2 of 3)

vet

/ (vɛt) /

noun

US and Canadian short for veteran (def. 2), veteran (def. 3)

British Dictionary definitions for vet (3 of 3)

vet.

abbreviation for

veteran

veterinarian

veterinary

Also (for senses 2, 3): veter

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