visitation

noun

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

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 Politicians and citizens grew quickly frustrated and protested the uniform implementation of mask mandates, public gathering restrictions and visitation limits in hospitals and nursing homes. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 29 Feb. 2024 The 2023 visitation numbers, which represent a 4 percent increase from 2022, are close to pre-pandemic levels. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 Public visitation for Leonard will be held Monday evening at the Meigs County High School in Decatur, and a graveside service will be held the following day at the Decatur Cemetery, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 The heartbreaking difference, critics charge, is the shelter’s pandemic-era, appointment-centric visitation system, which persisted long after other shelters had opened up all the way. Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2024 The firm's experienced divorce attorneys are proven in divorce, child custody, visitation schedules, property division, adoption, prenuptial, and postnuptial law matters. Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2024 Of the 63 national parks across America, Lassen Volcanic ranked 43rd for visitation with about 446,000 visitors in 2022. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024 In addition to divorce matters, Johnson McNulty, PLLC offers comprehensive assistance in child custody disputes, including crafting visitation schedules that prioritize the child's best interests. Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2024 The viewing and visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. and the service will be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., both at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 1018 S 15th St. Instead of cards and flowers, people can donate to the Benjamin K. Richmond Legacy Endowment at lul.org/donate-now. The Courier-Journal, 20 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'visitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near visitation

Cite this Entry

“Visitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visitation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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