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.
Surveys show a majority of potential travelers are interested in American history, and that visitation to national parks is up 18% so far this year, which bodes well for a state with a patriotic vibe and several parks and monuments. CBS News, 13 May 2026 Icons like the Amazon rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and Victoria Falls tend to top the list, but sometimes a site’s notoriety can be its downfall, especially when high visitation leads to crowding and environmental degradation. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026 Because the park's infrastructure has not yet changed to match fluctuating visitation models, parking capacity and shuttle systems are still fixed—meaning that by late morning on high-demand days, mobility inside the valley may become increasingly constrained. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026 Surveys show a majority of potential travelers are interested in American history, and that visitation to national parks is up 18% so far this year, which bodes well for a state with a patriotic vibe and several parks and monuments. ABC News, 11 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Visitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visitation. Accessed 20 May. 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

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