visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌvi-zə-ˈtā-shən 

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

capitalized : the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth recounted in Luke and celebrated July 2 by a Christian feast

Synonyms

• call
• visit

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

Daniel had been reportedly seeking visitation rights with their son, as well as millions of dollars. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Instead, she was escorted in shackles to the visitation room, where plexiglass separated them. —Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Those hoping to pay their respects to the team’s longtime principal owner may do so at a visitation Tuesday in Des Plaines. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

House Bill 1013, if passed, would specify that visitation can be limited only when necessary for routine operations or safety. —The Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

visitation

noun

vis·​i·​ta·​tion ˌviz-ə-ˈtā-shən 

: 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 

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