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

By then the oil companies, mindful of the world’s disapproving eyes, had positioned the gas flares among the vegetation and pointed the flames horizontally to limit their visibility from a distance. —Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026

With fewer blockbuster moments and a more crowded global fashion calendar thanks to award season, overall visibility softened, but key players continued to command outsized impact. —Amy Francombe, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026

Development ‒ expanded responsibilities, stretch projects, visibility with senior leaders ‒ is more flexible and often the clearest signal of readiness. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Additionally, haboobs could roll across the Arabian desert, reducing visibility and bringing along gusty winds. —Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 24 Mar. 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