vista

1 of 2

noun

vis·​ta ˈvi-stə 

1

: a distant view through or along an avenue or opening : prospect

2

: an extensive mental view (as over a stretch of time or a series of events)

VISTA

2 of 2

abbreviation

Volunteers in Service to America

Did you know?

Vista is generally used today for broad sweeping views of the kind you might see from a mountaintop. But the word originally meant an avenue-like view, narrowed by a line of trees on either side. And vista has also long been used (like view and outlook) to mean a mental scan of the future—as if you were riding down a long grand avenue and what you could see a mile or so ahead of you was where you'd be in the very near future.

Synonyms

Noun

• view
• panorama

Examples of vista in a Sentence

Noun

a gorgeous vista of the mountains from the front window

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The overlook of the Colorado River, winding 2,000 feet below, is one of the most iconic vistas in the Southwest. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Taking advantage of the hillside vistas was only natural, Conyers said. —Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems in the state. —Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Third-party experts have credited the bills with mandating that public agencies consider and address the environmental consequences of their projects, and with protecting ecosystems, preserving scenic vistas and waterways, and safeguarding community health throughout the state. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, sight, from visto, past participle of vedere to see, from Latin vidēre — more at wit

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vista

• crista
• arista
• artiste
• batiste
• sandinista

Kids Definition

vista

noun

vis·​ta ˈvis-tə 

1

: a distant view through an opening or along an avenue : prospect

2

: a mental view over a long period of time

Geographical Definition

Vista

geographical name

Vis·​ta ˈvi-stə 

city in southwestern California north of San Diego population 93,834