visibility

noun

vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌvi-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce visibility (audio)
plural visibilities
1
: the quality or state of being visible
2
a
: the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean)
specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye
b
: capability of being readily noticed
c
: capability of affording an unobstructed view
3
: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

Examples of visibility in a Sentence

The extra publicity helped to increase the company's visibility.
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.
In terms of visibility, the Eta Aquarids favor observers in the Southern Hemisphere, where more than 30 meteors per hour might be visible under dark skies. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025 Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2025 In addition to their technical sophistication, the satellites featured a unique dielectric mirror coating designed to scatter sunlight and reduce their visibility from Earth, a thoughtful innovation aimed at addressing concerns by astronomers about light pollution. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for visibility

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of visibility was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visibility. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

visibility

noun
vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce visibility (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being visible
2
: the degree of clearness of the atmosphere

Medical Definition

visibility

noun
vis·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌviz-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce visibility (audio)
plural visibilities
1
: the quality or state of being visible
2
: a measure of the ability of radiant energy to evoke visual sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on visibility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!