VO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Voice-over |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Arts & Entertainment, Medical |
VO has two meanings. It stands for Voice-over (film, television and theater) or Verbal order (medical documentation).
Meanings of VO at a glance
| # | VO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voice-over | Arts & Entertainment › Film, Television and Theater |
| 2 | Verbal order | Medical › Medical Documentation |
1. Voice-over
Arts & Entertainment · Film, Television and Theater Abbreviations
Narration or speech heard over the picture without the speaker appearing on screen speaking it, used for narrators, inner thoughts and commercials. Screenplays mark it (V.O.).
Example: The film opens with a VO from the grown-up narrator recalling that summer.
Screenplays distinguish (V.O.) from (O.S.), off-screen dialogue by a character present in the scene but not visible. Voice-over acting is also a profession covering animation, games, audiobooks and advertising.
2. Verbal order
Medical · Medical Documentation Abbreviations
Order given aloud by a prescriber, usually in person during emergencies or procedures, and recorded by the nurse or other licensed staff. It must be read back and later authenticated.
Example: VO from Dr. Patel: give 2 mg morphine IV now, read back and confirmed.
The Joint Commission requires that verbal and telephone orders be written down and read back to the prescriber for confirmation. Many hospitals restrict verbal orders to emergencies or sterile procedures and forbid them for chemotherapy. Prescribers must sign them within a time set by state law and policy.
Related abbreviations
More film, television and theater abbreviations
- 12A – 12A
- AD – Assistant director
- ADR – Automated dialogue replacement
- AMPAS – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- ASM – Assistant stage manager
- AVOD – Advertising-based video on demand
- BAFTA – British Academy of Film and Television Arts
- BBFC – British Board of Film Classification
See all 63 film, television and theater abbreviations →
More medical documentation abbreviations
- TO – Telephone order
- TORB – Telephone order read back
- Tx – Treatment
- UTD – Up to date
- VORB – Verbal order read back
- w/u – Workup
- WDWN – Well-developed, well-nourished
- y/o – Years old
See all 79 medical documentation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.