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.

---

visitor British  

/ ˈvɪzɪtə /

noun

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

2. another name for visitant

---

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

While newer venues can build-in connectivity for their own operations while offering ticket holders better wi-fi, and even mobile coverage, visitors to other sites continue to struggle.

From BBC

"The city centre is a massive asset for Glasgow that draws in almost 70 million visitors each year for food and drink, shopping, entertainment, business and culture," he said.

From BBC

For days, Leah gathered all the facts about this noisy visitor from beyond.

From Literature

Some people arrive in the UK on work, study or visitor visas and then claim asylum while they're here.

From BBC

There’s also a “spill your beans confessional board,” where visitors can anonymously respond to prompts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest