visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce visitation (audio)
1
: an instance of visiting: such as
a
: an official visit (as for inspection)
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
capitalized : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McCrary's former partner cited concerns about the child's safety in his care, and the court ordered him to have monitored visitation and to attend classes on parenting and for drug and alcohol abuse and batterer intervention, PEOPLE reported. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025 The 38,837-square-foot medium security vocational training center offers 120 beds, classrooms, vocational shops to provide job training skills and virtual and in-person visitation rooms, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Maria was passionate about helping people see the beauty on the inside, her mother said after her daughter’s visitation. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025 Lawson also suggested ending the practice of full-contact visitation, which results in drugs getting into prisons. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for visitation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of visitation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visitation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

visitation

noun
vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌviz-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce visitation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce visitation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on visitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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