vet

/vet/ (bre, ipa) · /vet/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvet/ (ame, mw)

vet — noun

  • vetsingular
  • vetsplural

1. an animal doctor who checks, treats, and advises on the health of pets, farm ani

1.名詞A2
釋義

an animal doctor who checks, treats, and advises on the health of pets, farm animals, and other creatures

例句

Élise took the rabbit to the vet when it stopped eating.

take an animal to the vet

The vet cleaned the dog's paw and wrapped it in a bandage.

同義詞
  • veterinarian

    the full and more formal word for this job

  • animal doctor

    plain explanatory phrase rather than the standard job title

用法筆記

Used for a medical professional who treats animals. Common patterns include "take the dog to the vet" and "call the vet," not references to human patients.

常見錯誤

We took my little brother to the vet after he fell.
We took my little brother to the doctor after he fell.
💡'vet' is used for animals, not people.

2. the clinic or room where a vet sees animals and talks to their owners

2.名詞A2
釋義

the clinic or room where a vet sees animals and talks to their owners

例句

We waited outside the vet because two nervous dogs were inside.

at the vet = at the clinic

At the vet, Mira filled out a form for her new kitten.

同義詞
  • clinic

    broader medical place word; can be larger than one vet's office

  • surgery

    British English word for a doctor's or vet's office

用法筆記

In phrases such as "at the vet" or "go to the vet," the word can mean the place, not the person. This meaning is common when talking about appointments, waiting, or dropping something off.

常見錯誤

We met at the vet doctor after school.
We met at the vet after school.
💡'the vet' can already mean the clinic or office.

3. someone who used to serve in the army, navy, or another branch of the military

3.名詞B2
釋義

someone who used to serve in the army, navy, or another branch of the military

例句

The town honored local vets at the parade on Memorial Day.

informal plural: vets = veterans

My uncle is a vet who still meets his army friends every spring.

同義詞
  • veteran

    the full, neutral word

  • former soldier

    narrower, because 'vet' can also include sailors and air force members

反義詞
  • civilian

    someone who is not serving in the armed forces

用法筆記

Usually an informal short form of "veteran" when talking about military service. It does not normally mean simply an experienced worker in another field.

常見錯誤

She's a math vet after twenty years of teaching.
She's a teaching veteran after twenty years of teaching.
💡this short form usually refers to former members of the armed forces.

vet — verb