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

Movement restrictions have eased at Waupun and Green Bay, but as of the department's latest update in April, in-person visitation had not resumed at Waupun and recreation time was still limited. —CBS News, 5 June 2024

The process of formulating a management strategy to flatten the explosive growth of park visitation began in 2016 under then-superintendent Darla Sidles. —John Meyer, The Denver Post, 30 May 2024

Sam Dent, a 41-year-old father of two, was about to spend his visitation day with his 13-year-old son and was crossing the street toward the boy when he was fatally struck by a driver Feb. 26. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024

The actress asked for sole physical custody of their five kids, Liam Aaron McDermott, 17, Stella Doreen, 15, Hattie Margaret, 12, Finn Davey, 11 and Beau Dean, 7, and joint legal custody with McDermott with visitation rights to be determined. —Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 21 May 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