visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvi-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

a

: the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean)

specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye

b

: capability of being readily noticed

c

: capability of affording an unobstructed view

d

: publicity sense 2d

3

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

Examples of visibility in a Sentence

The extra publicity helped to increase the company's visibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

To check its visibility, weather services maintain aurora borealis forecasts, such as The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026

In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026

Cold front Tuesday Clouds will dominate Central Texas on Tuesday morning, along with areas of patchy to dense fog that could reduce visibility during the morning commute, especially west of Austin, where winds will be lighter. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

Consumer Reports pointed to the Forester's excellent visibility, comfort, safety and spacious interior. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for visibility

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

Medical Definition

visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural visibilities

1

: the quality or state of being visible

2

: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation