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

That experience has led me to forgo any really creative programing with bands that do not have their visas in hand. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

Steven Walker’s excellent Wednesday piece on Florida’s plan to bar our universities from hiring faculty using the H-1B visa for the upcoming year speaks to one of the many ways in which the state is controlling decisions that need to be in the realm of academic governance. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026

Verb

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

How will visa holders be affected? —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 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