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 consulate in Houston arranged for Victor to have a private visitation with his brother’s body, and helped process parole requests for family members in Mexico to attend the funeral. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026

While campaigning last year, Kast visited El Salvador to study Bukele's security policies and tour the country’s notorious mega-prison where visitation, recreation and education are not allowed. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

For these reasons, best-practice guidance from criminal justice policy organizations recommends video as a supplement to in-person visitation, not a complete replacement. — Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Family and friends of a woman killed in a boat crash on the Fox River last month came together over the weekend for a visitation. — Michelle Sproat, CBS News, 10 Aug. 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