Definition
A standardized measure of how far a person with normal vision can see and identify a prominent dark object against the horizon sky during the day, or a known unfocused light source of moderate intensity at night. It is reported in statute miles, fractions of a mile, or meters, and is the official visibility figure included in aviation weather observations.
Plain English
It is the official 'how far you can see' number used in weather reports. A trained observer (or automated sensor) checks how far away a clear daytime object or a known nighttime light remains visible, and that distance becomes the reported visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather reports, flight planning, and decisions about whether conditions are good enough for a visual flight.
Derivation
From the Greek 'meteoros' meaning 'high in the air,' which is also where 'meteorology' comes from. The term simply marks this as the visibility figure used in weather reporting, distinguishing it from other visibility measures such as flight visibility (what the pilot actually sees from the cockpit) or runway visual range.
Why Pilots Care
It sets the legal visibility minimums for VFR flight and determines whether an approach can be flown or a takeoff attempted.
Analogy
Like standing on a foggy highway and noting the last point where you can still read the next mile marker.
Grounding Statement
Picture standing on the airport ramp and checking how far known buildings, trees, or lights can still be recognized through haze or fog.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as personal eyesight or the view from one particular cockpit window. It means the reported seeing distance caused by the condition of the air and weather.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR reported a meteorological visibility of three statute miles in light rain, which kept the airport above VFR minimums.
Example Sentence 2
When meteorological visibility fell below one mile in heavy rain, the crew requested an IFR clearance.