transom

noun

tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm How to pronounce transom (audio)
1
: a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: such as
a
: lintel
b
: a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it
c
: the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallows
d
: any of several transverse timbers or beams secured to the sternpost of a boat
also : the planking forming the stern of a square-ended boat
2
or transom window : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom

Illustration of transom

Illustration of transom
  • T transom 2
Phrases
over the transom
: without solicitation or prior arrangement
the manuscript arrived over the transom

Examples of transom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Perfect for hosting large dinner parties or memorable family get-togethers, the stylish dining room features a tray ceiling and transom windows above multiple entry points. Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2024 The parlor leads to the living room, library and dining room, which all have raised and fielded paneling and details like pocket doors, leaded glass transoms and oak flooring. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024 The rooms feature original doors, transom windows, and classic prewar bathrooms with grand marble vanities. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024 Further aft, the sprawling beach club is centered around a striking transom Jacuzzi that overlooks the sea below. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for transom 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English transyn, traunsom, probably alteration of traversayn, from Middle French travessain, from Old French traversain set crosswise, from Vulgar Latin *traversanus, from Latin transversus transverse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transom was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transom

Cite this Entry

“Transom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transom. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

transom

noun
tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm How to pronounce transom (audio)
1
: a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it
2
: a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom

More from Merriam-Webster on transom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!