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.
There has been a lot of finger pointing, blame and rationalization from all sides, but the silver lining for travelers is that with Vegas visitation down, whatever the reasons, the city is starting to roll out travel deals, even on the Strip, were hotels have been resistant to package discounts. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Visiting the volcano Park visitation has been increasing since the eruption began. CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Both Ahmed and Karia spoke of family members having seen ghosts at funeral ceremonies, which made sense of the visitations Hamlet’s father makes after death. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025 Even if all visitors properly dispose of bodily waste following Leave No Trace standards—in a cathole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from trails, campsites, and bodies of water—in areas with extremely high visitation, excrement will eventually reach a critical mass. Owen Clarke, Outside, 27 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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

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