Words / A1

VET/vet/

A vet is a doctor for animals — British, short for veterinary surgeon. American English often says veterinarian. A doctor treats people; a dentist treats teeth. Take the dog to the vet; at the vet’s. Pet is the animal you keep at home — different word.

Meaning

A doctor for animals (British).

Examples

• “Take the cat to the vet.”
• “The vet gave the cat some medicine.”
• “Our vet is closed on Sundays.”

Good to know

take + animal + to the vet. Contrast: doctor (people). Mix-up: pet (the animal).

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