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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.

Chapman passed this vetting despite there also being an outstanding complaint about her.

From BBC

He expects about half of the roughly 400 active IPO applications being processed to be successfully priced, given the new SFC guidelines, which have slowed the vetting process and capped new listings.

From The Wall Street Journal

“A vet. A wildlife center. Maybe they can save it. We can—” The woman suddenly moaned, doubling over as she clasped her belly.

From Literature

For protection in these circumstances, you’re going to want to have lawyers and accountants involved to thoroughly vet the opportunities and study the contracts.

From MarketWatch

No matter where you get your investment advice, vet it carefully and make sure it fits your personal circumstances.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.