vet

noun
\ ˈvet How to pronounce vet (audio) \

Definition of vet

 (Entry 1 of 3)

Definition of vet (Entry 2 of 3)

vet

verb
vetted; vetting

Definition of vet (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance vet the candidates for a position
b : to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction vet a manuscript
2a : to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person)
b : to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup

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Other Words from vet

Verb

vetter noun

A Brief History of the Verb Vet

Verb

When we vet a statement for accuracy or vet a candidate for a position, what are we doing, literally? Does the verb have something to do with veteran "a person with long experience," perhaps indicating that the thing or person vetted is proved to be tried and true?

Interestingly, the word is not related to veteran at all, but rather to veterinarian "an animal doctor." That noun was shortened to vet by the mid-19th century and, within decades, gave rise to a verb vet meaning "to subject (an animal) to medical examination." The verb was soon applied to human beings as well, broadening in sense to "to perform a medical checkup on." By the early 20th century, this word took on the figurative meaning that is now most familiar: "to subject a person or thing to scrutiny; to examine for flaws."

Examples of vet in a Sentence

Noun

I have to take my dog to the vet.

Verb

They vetted her thoroughly before offering her the job. The book was vetted by several different editors. He's already vetted the plan, so we can start right away.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

More from Cincy: a possible second round matchup between Sloane Stephens and Svetlana Kuznetsova is intriguing, considering that the Russian vet beat Stephens in an hour. The Si Staff, SI.com, "2019 U.S Open Preview Roundtable: SI Experts Make Predictions," 23 Aug. 2019 This time around, though, things are going much better for the 32-year-old Bachelor franchise vet. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, "Bachelor in Paradise episode 6 preview: Did Katie just blow it with Chris?," 20 Aug. 2019 Since then, the 101st Airborne Division vet has been making regular tandem jumps, usually on or near D-Day, to pay tribute to the service members who died in the war. John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Coronado D-Day vet featured in new documentary," 13 Aug. 2019 Martin said the vet asked if Abby had been near water. Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "A couple took their 3 dogs to a pond. Then toxic algae killed the pets," 12 Aug. 2019 On the exam table, gently prodded by two vet school residents, Lauri came to life. Travis Dove, New York Times, "Stealing Lauri," 4 Aug. 2019 Jenkins, the industry R&D vet, says a long history of misaligned incentives—including many companies’ failure to adopt new technologies and business models—has led to the current status quo. Fortune, "Protect at All Costs: How the Maker of the World’s Bestselling Drug Keeps Prices Sky-High," 18 July 2019 Contact the vet in advance for further tips and planning. Molly Korzenowski, Twin Cities, "How to keep friends, family — and dogs — safe this Fourth of July," 2 July 2019 Paige is about to start vet school, while John gets his PhD in engineering. Marni Jameson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "10 tips for first-time homebuyers," 19 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The unit also has vetted 146 people for an initial ERPO and then 33 for potential renewal at the one-year mark. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, "'Red flag' laws can play a role in preventing mass shootings, study says," 19 Aug. 2019 The Trump administration has done little to vet cabinet nominees, to the frustration of many Republicans. Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, "Republican Senators Are Cool to Trump’s Choice for Top Intelligence Post," 29 July 2019 Staff at the agency are vetting the plan, which has evolved since the developer’s first successful bid to redevelop the site. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Seaport San Diego tower is like nothing else on California’s coast. That’s the problem," 20 July 2019 From there school officials, working with Children’s, vetted various sites, placing a premium on one centrally located that would serve underpriveleged children — stipulations by the UAE — and on schools that had existing soccer programs. James Vaznis, BostonGlobe.com, "Roslindale school gets a big gift from an unlikely source: the United Arab Emirates," 18 July 2019 But in many instances, government agencies have not vetted those companies. latimes.com, "Today: Across the Democratic Divide," 27 June 2019 AirBnb also vets the property’s technology, security, privacy, and overall accessibility. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Airbnb Just Launched Luxe—Making Castles, Villas, & More Available For Rent Worldwide," 27 June 2019 The team vetted Okereke’s background further, interviewing him at length about the incident as well as several sources from Stanford. Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Star, "Colts were aware of Bobby Okereke sexual assault allegation before drafting Stanford LB," 5 June 2019 But those fights sort of morph into hearings—grievances aired, context disclosed, perspectives explained and vetted—all that. Marie Claire, "A New Couple, A Newer Home, and 2 Paychecks," 7 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vet

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Adjective or noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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More Definitions for vet

vet

verb

English Language Learners Definition of vet

: to investigate (someone) thoroughly to see if they should be approved or accepted for a job
: to check (something) carefully to make sure it is acceptable

vet

noun
\ ˈvet How to pronounce vet (audio) \

Kids Definition of vet

 (Entry 1 of 2)

vet

noun

Kids Definition of vet (Entry 2 of 2)

vet

noun
\ ˈvet