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

Moon urged visitors to consider the risks of avalanches when visiting the area.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before implementing its reservation system, Utah’s Arches National Park closed its entrance gate and required visitors to turn around and come back later.

From The Wall Street Journal

Poer says visitors are often surprised when they come inside the space.

From Los Angeles Times

Statewide, the number of Canadian visitors fell just over 18% in 2025 compared with the year prior, according to Visit California, a nonprofit focused on tourism in the state.

From Los Angeles Times

They are now regular visitors to the grand Hermitage Museum, housed in the former palace of the Tsars.

From Barron's

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest