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

Here's a closer look at details surrounding the Hoover Dam visitation closure. — Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 31 July 2026

In response, Reiner was issued a disciplinary write-up for allegedly violating jail rules and lost several inmate privileges for five days, including phone calls, visitation and commissary access. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 30 July 2026

Chew said the lockdown was lifted on Monday and the prison went back to normal operating procedures, including visitation, on Tuesday. — Erika Stanish, CBS News, 29 July 2026

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Savchenko, 42, requested temporary sole legal and physical custody of his and his ex-wife’s 15-year-old daughter Olivia, and asked that Samodanova have no visitation until further court involvement. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 27 July 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