visa

1 of 2

noun

vi·​sa ˈvē-zə How to pronounce visa (audio)
also
-sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
1
: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed
2
: a signature of formal approval by a superior upon a document

visa

2 of 2

verb

visaed ˈvē-zəd How to pronounce visa (audio)
-səd
 ; visaing ˈvē-zə-iŋ How to pronounce visa (audio)
-sə-

transitive verb

: to give a visa to (a passport)

Examples of visa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Ameaka's arrest comes days after ABC News obtained a memo detailing federal immigration authorities' new efforts to ramp up arrests at airports of people who have allegedly overstayed their visas. — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 31 July 2026 During that time, Welch knew the woman and her daughter had expired tourist visas but faked a variety of records to convince them otherwise. — Jonathan J. Cooper, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Verb
China is also expecting an increase in foreign visitors, bucking a traditional slowdown during the holiday, thanks in part to visa exemptions, Caixin reported. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 12 Feb. 2026 Low-quality scientific research produced for resume padding isn't an activity exclusive to visa applicants, according to researchers at Northwestern University and The University of Sydney. — Julia Ingram, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for visa

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin, neuter plural of visus, past participle

First Known Use

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of visa was in 1831

Phrases Containing visa

Rhymes for visa

See All Rhymes for visa

Browse Nearby Words

Vis
visa
visage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visa. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

visa

1 of 2 noun
vi·​sa ˈvē-zə How to pronounce visa (audio)
also
-sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
: a mark on a passport that is a sign of approval and permission for a traveler to go ahead

visa

2 of 2 verb
visaed -zəd How to pronounce visa (audio)
-səd
 ; visaing -zə-iŋ How to pronounce visa (audio)
-sə-
: to give a visa to

Legal Definition

visa

noun
vi·​sa ˈvē-zə, -sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed

More from Merriam-Webster on visa

Nglish: Translation of visa for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about visa

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