vet

[ vet ]

/ vɛt /

Informal.

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noun

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

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

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

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

to work as a veterinarian.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of vet

First recorded in 1860–65; short for veterinarian

Other definitions for vet (2 of 3)

vet²

[ vet ]

/ vɛt /

noun, adjective Informal.

veteran.

Origin of vet

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; shortened form

Other definitions for vet (3 of 3)

vet.

abbreviation

veteran.

veterinarian.

veterinary.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vet in a sentence

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
The City of Phoenix does not now have a single homeless vet; they have constructed apartments for them.
McCain’s 13 Favorite Soldiers|Sandra McElwaine|November 11, 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
She was such a picture that I asked who she was, and found she was a high school mistress, the niece of old Cooper, the vet.
The Romance of His Life|Mary Cholmondeley
She's an Irish girl—was governess to some rich Jew in Edgbaston, and she married a vet.
Happy House|Betsey Riddle, Freifrau von Hutten zum Stolzenberg
Freckles tried to think connectedly, but there were too many places on the trail where the Angel's footprints were vet visible.
Freckles|Gene Stratton-Porter
I wrote at once to the vet, telling him to telegraph "Curable" or "Hopeless," and to act accordingly.
Animal Ghosts|Elliott O'Donnell
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

British Dictionary definitions for vet (1 of 3)

vet¹

/ (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)

vet²

/ (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

vet

Origin of vet

Other definitions for vet (2 of 3)

Origin of vet

Other definitions for vet (3 of 3)

Words related to vet

How to use vet in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for vet (1 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for vet (2 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for vet (3 of 3)