visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an instance of visiting: such as

a

: an official visit (as for inspection)

b

: wake entry 2 sense 3

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

Visitation : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

Synonyms of visitation

• visit

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

The man involved in the custody battle had previously paid child support before the money was returned and his visitation rights were revoked in March 2022, the warrant affidavit said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Canadian visitation is down about 30% from 2019 levels, Hill said, while airfare to and from Las Vegas has climbed more than 20% in recent months, according to reports. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

At Yosemite National Park, the reservation system was eliminated and visitation surged 45 percent, according to government data. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Last year, visitation dropped by 25% between August and October, leaving autumn people with plenty of room. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for visitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌviz-ə-ˈtā-shən 

: 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 

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