vet
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for vet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A doctor who treats animals; short for veterinarian.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use vet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A shortened form of "veterinarian" (the animal-doctor sense) and separately of "veteran" (the ex-soldier sense).
Full origin of vet →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.