transept
noun
tran·sept
ˈtran(t)-ˌsept 
: the part of a cruciform church that crosses at right angles to the greatest length between the nave and the apse or choir
also
: either of the projecting ends of a transept
Examples of transept in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here, wife-and-husband gallerists JJ and Anthony Curis converted a 1911 Romanesque Revival church into a free arts space and performance venue with a Black arts library in the transept and a B&B in the former rectory.
—
AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Known for its Jira Service Management platform that works across this whole transept of digital workplace action, Atlassian head of ITSM product Shamik Sharma says AI in this space is now focused on tangible use cases and return on investment.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The attic, now divided into three fire compartments — choir, transept, and nave — features advanced thermal cameras, smoke detectors, and a revolutionary water-misting system.
—Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The complete analysis of Notre Dame helped in not only documenting what is there, but to further authenticate Medieval artifacts such as the large rose stained glass windows in the cathedral’s transept.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Replacing the Scene of the Fire The roof of the central intersection of the building, known in religious spaces as the transept crossing, was where the original spire collapsed in 2019.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Interior Design As with most Roman Catholic and Western European churches, the floor plan of La Sagrada Familia is based on a Latin cross, with a long nave intersected by a transept to give the structure its basic cruciform shape.
—Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024
By the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was just 10 to 15 percent complete, including a crypt, a transept, and some of the apse wall.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024
The corners of the building’s transepts will be bumped out to improve sight lines and connections between the entire church building and will add about 100 seats in the process.
—Melissa Whatley, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2024
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AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Known for its Jira Service Management platform that works across this whole transept of digital workplace action, Atlassian head of ITSM product Shamik Sharma says AI in this space is now focused on tangible use cases and return on investment.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The attic, now divided into three fire compartments — choir, transept, and nave — features advanced thermal cameras, smoke detectors, and a revolutionary water-misting system.
—Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The complete analysis of Notre Dame helped in not only documenting what is there, but to further authenticate Medieval artifacts such as the large rose stained glass windows in the cathedral’s transept.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Replacing the Scene of the Fire The roof of the central intersection of the building, known in religious spaces as the transept crossing, was where the original spire collapsed in 2019.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Interior Design As with most Roman Catholic and Western European churches, the floor plan of La Sagrada Familia is based on a Latin cross, with a long nave intersected by a transept to give the structure its basic cruciform shape.
—Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024
By the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was just 10 to 15 percent complete, including a crypt, a transept, and some of the apse wall.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024
The corners of the building’s transepts will be bumped out to improve sight lines and connections between the entire church building and will add about 100 seats in the process.
—Melissa Whatley, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Transept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transept. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transept
noun
tran·sept
ˈtran(t)s-ˌept
: the section forming the short arm of a church with a cross-shaped floor plan
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