visitor

[ viz-i-ter ]

noun

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

visitor

/ ˈvɪzɪtə /

noun

1. a person who pays a visit; caller, guest, tourist, etc
2. another name for visitant

Other Words From

• pre·visi·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of visitor¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

He reported every year from the St Patrick’s Day receptions at the White House in Washington, and was a frequent visitor to Brussels, especially before and after the Brexit vote in 2016.

From BBC

They also say the lands aren’t being adequately protected from those seeking to pillage natural resources and visitors who trash sacred sites.

From Los Angeles Times

Due to its prime location and natural beauty, it has become a popular spot for families, visitors and tourists alike - particularly since the coronavirus pandemic with less people travelling abroad.

From BBC

Mr Potter said a nearby caravan park and the local pub had also had to break the bad news to dozens of disappointed visitors.

From BBC

Instead, visitors were confronted with an “abandoned and empty warehouse” filled with drab props, with actors reading from an AI-generated script.

From BBC

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest