visa

1 of 2

noun

vi·​sa ˈvē-zə 

also

-sə 

1

: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed

2

: a signature of formal approval by a superior upon a document

visa

2 of 2

verb

visaed ˈvē-zəd 

-səd

; visaing ˈvē-zə-iŋ 

-sə-

transitive verb

: to give a visa to (a passport)

Examples of visa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As the first games were preparing to begin, the administration continued to find itself under global scrutiny for its visa decisions, such as denying entry to a referee from Somalia who had won accolades for his officiating. — ABC News, 19 July 2026

The European Union is giving five nations in the Eastern Caribbean two years to end their lucrative citizenship-by-investment programs or lose visa-free travel to the bloc, their leaders say. — Widlore Mérancourt, Washington Post, 18 July 2026

Verb

China is also expecting an increase in foreign visitors, bucking a traditional slowdown during the holiday, thanks in part to visa exemptions, Caixin reported. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 12 Feb. 2026

Low-quality scientific research produced for resume padding isn't an activity exclusive to visa applicants, according to researchers at Northwestern University and The University of Sydney. — Julia Ingram, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin, neuter plural of visus, past participle

First Known Use

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing visa

• exit visa
• transit visa

Rhymes for visa

• mycorrhiza

Kids Definition

visa

1 of 2 noun

vi·​sa ˈvē-zə 

also

-sə 

: a mark on a passport that is a sign of approval and permission for a traveler to go ahead

visa

2 of 2 verb

visaed -zəd 

-səd

; visaing -zə-iŋ 

-sə-

: to give a visa to

Legal Definition

visa

noun

vi·​sa ˈvē-zə, -sə 

: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed