vet
Vet (noun) means a doctor who treats animals; short for veterinarian. Example: “We took the cat to the vet for her annual checkup.”
How to use vet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal short word for an animal doctor or a military veteran, and also a verb meaning to screen or check thoroughly.
Word forms
vetted past tense, vets plural, vets plural, vets singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We took the cat to the _____ for her annual checkup.
Etymology
A shortened form of "veterinarian" (the animal-doctor sense) and separately of "veteran" (the ex-soldier sense).
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “vet” mean?
The word “vet” means a doctor who treats animals; short for veterinarian. In plain terms, an informal short word for an animal doctor or a military veteran, and also a verb meaning to screen or check thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “vet”?
“Vet” is pronounced veht (/vɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vet” in a sentence?
Here is “vet” used in a sentence: “We took the cat to the vet for her annual checkup.”
What part of speech is “vet”?
Depending on how it is used, “vet” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “vet” a common word?
“Vet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “vet” have?
“Vet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a doctor who treats animals; short for veterinarian.
What is the difference between a vet and a doctor?
A vet, short for veterinarian, is a doctor who treats animals, while a doctor usually treats people. Both are trained medical professionals, but they care for different kinds of patients.
Does vet refer to a veteran or a veterinarian?
Vet can be short for either. It means a veterinarian, an animal doctor, or a veteran, someone who has served in the armed forces. The surrounding context makes clear which is meant.
What is the difference between vet and screen?
Both involve checking someone or something before approval. Screening often means an initial filter to remove unsuitable options, while vetting is usually a more thorough investigation of those who remain.
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