visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an instance of visiting: such as

a

: an official visit (as for inspection)

b

: wake entry 2 sense 3

c

: temporary custody of a child granted to a noncustodial parent

visitation rights

2

a

: a special dispensation of divine favor or wrath

b

: a severe trial : affliction

3

Visitation : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

Synonyms of visitation

• visit

Examples of visitation in a Sentence

He has visitation rights on the weekends.

the visitation of a diocese by a bishop

Visitation is from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Recent Examples on the Web

Roughly 90,000 international fans have registered for Kansas City fan fests, Kramer told Forbes, suggesting strong base camp visitation. —Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Visitation to refuges has increased nearly 40 percent over the past decade, with wildlife observation, hiking/walking, and bird-watching as the most popular activities. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026

The Joliet resident and other members of the nearly 500-member Chicagoland Nurse Honor Guard have been doing that for the past several years, providing a free ceremony during a visitation or funeral service that incorporates important symbols of the nursing profession. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026

Finan echoed this sentiment, stating that the residential format can be an invitation for guests to discover Florence in each of its seasons, thereby contributing to a more balanced rhythm of visitation throughout the year. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for visitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌviz-ə-ˈtā-shən 

: an instance of visiting

especially : a visit by an important person for a reason (as an inspection)

Legal Definition

visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an official visit (as for inspection)

visitation of the home of a neglected child

2

: access to a child granted especially to a parent who does not have custody

supervised visitation

visitation rights