veterinary

1 of 2

adjective

vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈve-tə-rə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce veterinary (audio) ˈve-trə- How to pronounce veterinary (audio)
ˈve-tə-ˌner-
: of, relating to, practicing, or being the science and art of prevention, cure, or alleviation of disease and injury in animals and especially domestic animals
a veterinary clinic

veterinary

2 of 2

noun

plural veterinaries
: veterinarian

Examples of veterinary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie has been receiving around-the-clock veterinary care since she was rescued July 17, said the eagle remains stable but is battling severe anemia. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Tuskegee is the only HBCU with a veterinary school and is known for training engineers and pilots. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
If your pet becomes confused, vomits, has diarrhea, collapses or experiences seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 The comprehensive veterinary screening the zoo described will determine what options exist for the animal. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for veterinary

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin veterinarius of beasts of burden, from veterinae beasts of burden, from feminine plural of veterinus of beasts of burden; akin to Latin veter-, vetus old

First Known Use

Adjective

1790, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of veterinary was in 1790

Phrases Containing veterinary

Rhymes for veterinary

See All Rhymes for veterinary

Browse Nearby Words

veterinarian
veterinary
veterinary medicine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Veterinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veterinary. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

veterinary

1 of 2 adjective
vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈvet-ə-rən-ˌer-ē How to pronounce veterinary (audio) ˈve-trən- How to pronounce veterinary (audio)
ˈvet-ᵊn-
: of, relating to, or being the medical care of animals
veterinary medicine

veterinary

2 of 2 noun
plural veterinaries
: veterinarian

Medical Definition

veterinary

1 of 2 adjective
vet·​er·​i·​nary ˈvet-ə-rən-ˌer-ē How to pronounce veterinary (audio) ˈve-trən- How to pronounce veterinary (audio)
ˈvet-ᵊn-
: of, relating to, or being veterinary medicine

veterinary

2 of 2 noun
plural veterinaries
: veterinarian

More from Merriam-Webster on veterinary

Nglish: Translation of veterinary for Spanish Speakers

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