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

Oxford Economics estimates that even with a quick end to the conflict the Middle East is facing an 11-27 percent drop in visitor arrivals this year, against previously forecast 13 percent growth.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

While visitor numbers are down, Emily's staffing and business costs are up.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Located in downtown L.A., the expansion was deemed necessary after the museum significantly exceeded visitor projections.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Across the Middle East, the war is costing $600 million a day in lost visitor spending, according to global trade body World Travel & Tourism Council.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

I am not sure which one is the special visitor.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest