visitor

American  

[viz-i-ter] / ˈvɪz ɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who visits, as for reasons of friendship, business, duty, travel, or the like.

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visitor British  

/ ˈvɪzɪtə /

noun

1. a person who pays a visit; caller, guest, tourist, etc

2. another name for visitant

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Related Words

Visitor, caller, guest, visitant are terms for a person who comes to spend time with or stay with others, or in a place. A visitor often stays some time, for social pleasure, for business, sightseeing, etc.: a visitor at our neighbor's house. A caller comes for a brief (usually) formal visit: The caller merely left her card. A guest is anyone receiving hospitality, and the word has been extended to include anyone who pays for meals and lodging: a welcome guest; a hotel guest. Visitant applies especially to a migratory bird or to a supernatural being: a warbler as a visitant.

Other Word Forms

• previsitor noun

Etymology

Origin of visitor

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English visitour, from Anglo-French; Old French visiteor, from Late Latin vīsitātor, equivalent to Latin vīsitā(re) “to go to see, visit” ( visit ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Overseas visitors are increasingly eager to see sumo, and tournaments in Japan are regularly sold out.

From Barron's

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan hasn't seen any visitors in more than five weeks, according to his party.

From BBC

Jane Bishop, owner of the Walpole Bay Hotel in the town, said it was "sad" that Margate's "important artefact" could no longer be enjoyed by visitors.

From BBC

The island's visitor officer Rob Knott said its at-risk puffins were "absolutely iconic birds" and counting them was "quite a job".

From BBC

A tasting session lasting around an hour was a surprise for South African visitor Dere Vermeulen, 19, who normally drinks tap water.

From Barron's

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest