English Reference
noun

visitation

n.
US /ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən/ UK /vˌɪzɪtˈeɪʃən/ vis·i·ta·tion UK spelling visitation's, visitation's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    the legal right of a parent who does not live with their child to visit them.

    the right of a non-custodial parent to visit their child, often as part of a court-ordered schedule.

    Simple

    The judge granted the father weekend visitation rights after the divorce.

    In context

    The court established a strict visitation schedule to ensure the child maintained a consistent relationship with both parents during the transition.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural form 'visitation rights' or as a modifier in 'visitation schedule'.

    accessparental contact
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    an official visit to a place to check that everything is being done correctly.

    a formal visit of inspection or examination by an authority, such as a bishop to a parish or a regulator to an institution.

    Simple

    The hospital prepared for the annual visitation from the health board.

    In context

    During his episcopal visitation, the bishop reviewed the parish records and met with the local clergy to discuss community outreach.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency LiteraryFormal Religion

    a major event, like a disaster or a miracle, believed to be sent by God.

    a significant event, typically an affliction or a blessing, regarded as being ordained by God or fate.

    Simple

    The village viewed the long drought as a divine visitation for their sins.

    In context

    In the seventeenth century, the plague was frequently interpreted as a terrible visitation upon a wicked city.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a sudden arrival of a large number of animals or insects in a new area.

    an unusual and extensive movement of a species into a region where it is not normally found.

    Simple

    The sudden visitation of snowy owls in the south surprised local birdwatchers.

    In context

    Ecologists are studying the causes behind the periodic visitation of these northern predators into temperate forest zones.

    irruptioninvasioninflux

Research associates visitation with lower reoffending rates after release.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated