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.
The obituary adds that a visitation service is set for Tuesday, April 29, and a funeral mass is set for Wednesday, April 30. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 In fact, visitation to downtown Colorado Springs has doubled just in the past five years, which is stunning. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 The park’s chief of interpretation, Eve West, said in a December 2024 interview that visitation patterns have shifted upwards since it was redesignated. Luke Gentile, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025 Tourism Economics, a firm that tracks the hospitality industry, forecasts a 9.4% decline in international visitor in the US for 2025, led by a 20.2% decline in visitation from Canada. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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