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

Spencer Russell was counsel on a Kentucky Supreme Court case regarding grandparent visitation. —Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

Last month in October, Mariah went to visit Thug for their third anniversary, but was denied because the jail’s visitation system was down. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Historically, such events can impact visitation trends for an extended period, with Chipotle (CMG+2.96%) serving as a cautionary example. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024

This happy visitation occurs between September and November. —Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

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