transom

noun

tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm 

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

• 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

There is plenty of room for entertaining, too: With the transom and side terraces open, the club almost doubles in size. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

French doors with a transom window in the living room lead to a room that could be a home office, den, or library. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 17 Aug. 2025

Adding transom windows above, and double doors that lead out to the patio, lets in maximum sunlight while keeping bugs at bay. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

Original moldings, shutters and transom windows are preserved. —Heather Senison, New York Times, 19 June 2025

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

Rhymes for transom

• handsome
• hansom

Kids Definition

transom

noun

tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm 

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