vetting

American  

[vet-ing] / ˈvɛt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of appraising or checking a person or thing for suitability, accuracy, or validity.

   The quality of a competitive jazz festival is contingent upon the vetting and hiring of experienced judges, which must be done far in advance.

2. the act or process of examining or treating an animal in one’s capacity as a veterinarian.

   At this shelter we are passionately dedicated to the rescue, vetting, and homing of orphaned pets.

3. the occupation or work of a veterinarian.

   After 30 years of vetting, I sometimes struggle through my morning consults just to collapse in a chair before my afternoon surgery list.

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adjective

1. appraising, verifying, or checking something.

   The appointing authority (the Executive) and the vetting institution (Parliament) should scrutinize appointments so only those with the needed skills are appointed to diplomatic posts.

Etymology

Origin of vetting

First recorded in 1885–90; vet ¹ + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; vet ¹ + -ing ² for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

However, Sir Philip denied that this affected the substance of the vetting case.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Sir Keir had been asked in the Commons about the advice from the cabinet secretary at the time - Sir Simon Case - that vetting should be carried out before the ambassador's appointment was announced.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Sir Philip was asked whether he agreed with his successor at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, who last week accused Downing Street of taking a "dismissive attitude" to vetting during Lord Mandelson's appointment.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But Sir Philip said there was "absolutely" time pressure to get the vetting done quickly given "the top of the government is saying the prime minister has decided he wants Mandelson" in post.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The competition to lead the Review was ferocious every year, involving rigorous vetting and a vote by eighty student editors.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama