visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce visitation (audio)
Synonyms of visitationnext
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
Visitation : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

Synonyms of visitation

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.
After these and many similar incidents, the social workers filed a petition to reduce the frequency of visitations. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Every January, visitation effectively starts at zero — yet year after year, those efforts deliver results that power jobs, support small businesses, and expand opportunity far beyond the tourism industry. Paul S. Mears Iii, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026 After her parents divorced, Shannon and her brother lived with their mother, while their father had weekend visitations. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026 Some have had their visitation rights suspended. New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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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