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 situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business's parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 An 11-member professional diving team operated under challenging conditions, including strong currents, low visibility, and the technical demands of deep diving. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025 The mollusks have filtered most of the lakes, turning them from their old greenish hue, which allowed for only a few feet of visibility, to clear blue. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025 This level of visibility supports better governance. Carl D'halluin, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 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
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