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
Golden visa holders already investing in the country will now be able to buy one home worth at least $3 million. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Millions who couldn’t get visas turned to entering illegally. — Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
How will visa holders be affected? — Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 Younger expats can work remotely or rely on savings, while others explore can visa programs for specific work sectors. — Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 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 7 Jul. 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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