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)
b
: wake entry 2 sense 3
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

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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.
Family visitation is prohibited, as is keeping photos of loved ones, according to the letter. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 Goth is seeking primary legal and physical custody of the 4-year-old, with visitation rights for LaBeouf. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Normal inmate visitation would need to resume first, for example, and the COVID-19 vaccine would have to be available to everyone. — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Ironically, visitation exposes the work to a whole other set of risks, since, without supervision, the sections could be subjected—and, indeed, have been—to damage. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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

Rhymes for visitation

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Browse Nearby Words

visitant
visitation
visitator
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Cite this Entry

“Visitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visitation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about visitation

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