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

Along Donner Pass, one of the closest ski areas to Sacramento along Interstate 80 experienced slightly lower-than-usual visitation, but still had some days with 100% of terrain open. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

During the call, Mackenzie and her mother discuss what prison life could look like after her conviction, including visitation, school programs and other resources available to inmates. —Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

Officials claimed no relatives formally requested visitation rights and alleged Quero Navas failed to provide information about family contacts while incarcerated. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026

Annual visitation has nearly doubled over the past 25 years, with more than three million people now passing through each year, the vast majority concentrated in the short summer season. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 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