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

Immigration status can range from permanent residence to holders of work and student visas, to temporary protected and undocumented. —Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025

In addition to people living in the country without legal status, immigrants with valid documentation, including green cards and visas, have been detained. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

Verb

Currently visa applicants must pay a $185 fee to enter the U.S. for tourist, business, student and exchange visas, among others. —Eden Harris, NBC news, 16 July 2025

But his latest travel ban also points to visa overstay rates as a rationale for blocking citizens from U.S. travel. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 June 2025

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