vista

1 of 2

noun

vis·​ta ˈvi-stə 

1

: a distant view through or along an avenue or opening : prospect

2

: an extensive mental view (as over a stretch of time or a series of events)

VISTA

2 of 2

abbreviation

Volunteers in Service to America

Did you know?

Vista is generally used today for broad sweeping views of the kind you might see from a mountaintop. But the word originally meant an avenue-like view, narrowed by a line of trees on either side. And vista has also long been used (like view and outlook) to mean a mental scan of the future—as if you were riding down a long grand avenue and what you could see a mile or so ahead of you was where you'd be in the very near future.

Synonyms

Noun

• command
• lookout
• outlook
• panorama
• perspective
• prospect
• view

Examples of vista in a Sentence

Noun

a gorgeous vista of the mountains from the front window

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The formation, a National Natural Landmark, is one of the most recognizable vistas in the state, having been featured in film, photography, and postcards for decades. —USA Today, 11 June 2025

Pull over at each turnout to look at the wildflowers, glacial streams and open vistas that beg for picnic bites. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025

Photo : Ben Wright Photography/Blue Book Agency The pool with a diving board and gob-smacking vistas. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 June 2025

Hiking is huge, with over 200 trails that delve deep into the woods to lush canyons like Eagle Creek, or head skyward on leg-busting routes with worth-the-pain vistas. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, sight, from visto, past participle of vedere to see, from Latin vidēre — more at wit

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vista

• crista
• arista
• artiste
• batiste
• sandinista

Kids Definition

vista

noun

vis·​ta ˈvis-tə 

1

: a distant view through an opening or along an avenue : prospect

2

: a mental view over a long period of time

Geographical Definition

Vista

geographical name

Vis·​ta ˈvi-stə 

city in southwestern California north of San Diego population 93,834