visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvi-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

a

: the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean)

specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye

b

: capability of being readily noticed

c

: capability of affording an unobstructed view

d

: publicity sense 2d

3

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

Examples of visibility in a Sentence

The extra publicity helped to increase the company's visibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

UnitedHealth would have more visibility on these issues than most, of course. —Erika Fry, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024

At the same time, visibility coupled with connection can be alchemized into community. —Lindsay Lee Wallace, TIME, 23 Apr. 2024

Every two years, the committee convenes this Summit to heighten the visibility of Black philanthropy and the people behind the scenes of this important work, the philanthropists. —Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024

Athletes, meanwhile, hope the unprecedented visibility will attract new people to breaking. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Experts say that individuals at higher risk for falls, such as older adults, should avoid walking in the rain, especially during heavy downpours with limited visibility. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024

Like other grocers, Wegmans also reviews demographics like household income, education, spending and visibility. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2024

One area where Marin has pushed for greater acceptance and visibility is the arts: A big patron and collector, especially of Chicano art, Marin partnered in 2022 with the Riverside Art Museum and the city of Riverside in California to create a permanent museum space for Chicano art. —Arturo Conde, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024

But the drive to electric vehicles has, at best, hit a rough patch, with little visibility into road conditions ahead. —Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

Medical Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation