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Synonyms

vet

1 American  
[vet] / vɛt /

noun

  1. veterinarian.


verb (used with object)

vetted, vetting
  1. to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, suitability, etc..

    An expert vetted the manuscript before publication.

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

verb (used without object)

vetted, vetting
  1. to work as a veterinarian.

vet 2 American  
[vet] / vɛt /

noun

Informal.
  1. veteran.


vet. 3 American  

abbreviation

  1. veteran.

  2. veterinarian.

  3. veterinary.


vet 1 British  
/ vɛt /

noun

  1. short for veterinary surgeon

"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

verb

  1. (tr) to make a prior examination and critical appraisal of (a person, document, scheme, etc) See also positive vetting

    the candidates were well vetted

  2. to examine, treat, or cure (an animal)

"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. 2 British  

abbreviation

  1. veteran

  2. veterinarian

  3. veterinary

"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 3 British  
/ vɛt /

noun

  1. short for veteran veteran

"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

Etymology

Origin of vet1

First recorded in 1860–65; short for veterinarian

Origin of vet2

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; shortened form

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He had heartworms, and before starting treatment, the vet wanted to quash a minor infection.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Iraq war vet was dragged out of his car in Ventura County by federal agents last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, an internal Met Police review, which examined a 10-year period up to the end of March 2023, revealed 131 officers and staff committed crimes or misconduct after they were not properly vetted.

From BBC

The vet says a drive to increase revenue is undermining his profession.

From BBC

Despite restrictions on foreign students that include a full or partial travel ban on 39 nations and increased vetting, the overall UC international student enrollment remained relatively stable.

From Los Angeles Times