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

While Wrexham council warned that visitor numbers would "impact the demand for services and budgets of local authorities and other public bodies".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

One of Australia's visa requirements is a limit on how much a potential visitor might cost the community should they need medical treatment.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Thousands of feet that would make up a new visitor screening center for the White House, per new plans from the administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

I could tell she was happy we had a visitor.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

Related Words

• caller
• company
• foreigner
• guest