transition

noun tran·si·tion \ tran(t)-ˈsi-shən , tran-ˈzi- , chiefly British tran(t)-ˈsi-zhən \

Definition of transition

1 a :passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another :change

b :a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another

2 a :a musical modulation

b :a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another

3 :an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy

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transitional

play \-ˈsish-nəl, -ˈsizh-, -ˈzish-; -ˈsi-shə-nᵊl, -ˈzi-, -zhə-\ adjective

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transitionally

adverb

See transition defined for English-language learners

See transition defined for kids

Examples of transition in a Sentence

We want to have a smooth transition when the new owners take control of the company.
the sometimes difficult transition from childhood to adulthood
The country made a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Recent Examples of transition from the Web

Despite the many challenges in Colombia, the FARC’s transition from rebel group to political party ahead of the 2018 elections is a positive step in this peace process.

— aila m. matanock, Washington Post, "The FARC just became a Colombian political party. Here’s why elections are critical to a lasting peace.," 30 Aug. 2017
Gonzalez, who left CBS, joins Fox’s pre-pre-game show at 11 a.m. … Schlereth transitions from an ESPN studio analyst to a Fox game analyst.

— barry jackson, miamiherald, "Networks make major NFL talent changes with Romo the biggest addition," 30 Aug. 2017
Held every 5 years, the congress often showcases orchestrated transitions in leadership posts.

— dennis normile, Science | AAAS, "Science suffers as China’s internet censors plug holes in Great Firewall," 30 Aug. 2017
Edsall, 58, was UConn's coach during the program's transition from Division I-AA to what is now know as the FBS level, which was finalized in 2002.

— mike anthony, courant.com, "New Coach, New QB, New Assistants, New Food Options, New England Opponent," 30 Aug. 2017
There has been nothing subtle about Natalie Glenn’s transition into varsity volleyball.

— kevin lonnquist, star-telegram, "How the Southlake Carroll volleyball team relies on its youngest player," 28 Aug. 2017
Cary-Grove (10-2): Offensive backfield is new, but big, experienced offensive line will ease transition. 20.

— pat disabato, Daily Southtown, "Countdown to football: Delonte Harrell, Marist No. 1 in preseason," 24 Aug. 2017
If the transition from 11-man football to the eight-man game was supposed to be difficult, the Flintridge Prep football team did a wonderful job concealing the turmoil.

— andrew j. campa, Glendale News-Press, "Success depends on maturation for Flintridge Prep football," 23 Aug. 2017
To make the transition from summer to fall a little smoother for everyone, Netflix has secured the sweetest line up of your favorite movies and TV shows for September.

— peggy truong, Cosmopolitan, "Here’s What’s Coming to/Leaving Netflix in September 2017," 23 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of transition

Latin transition-, transitio, from transire

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1551

See Words from the same year

transition

verb

Definition of transition

intransitive verb

:to make a transition

transition into college

See transition defined for English-language learners

Examples of transition in a Sentence

The company has transitioned to new management in the past year.
a student who is transitioning to a new school

Recent Examples of transition from the Web

A free job fair for veterans and service members transitioning out of the military and military spouses is set for Aug. 29-30 at Camp Pendleton.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hiring fair coming to Camp Pendleton," 24 Aug. 2017
With Gartner’s arrival, Gossett will transition from the Wing-T to a spread formation.

— steve bittenbender, The Courier-Journal, "Football previews | Atherton, Doss, Fairdale, Fern Creek, Iroquois, Southern," 15 Aug. 2017
Yes, Anthony Scaramucci will quickly transition from high-profile public notoriety to late-night comedy in an act of post-crisis communications fit for our age of self-promotion.

— The Hive, "Inside Sheldon Adelson’s Effort to Purge McMaster," 10 Aug. 2017
There aren't many great examples of legacy media empires successfully transitioning to the digital age without a few disasters along the way, or at least a long period of readjustment.

— derek thompson, The Atlantic, "TV’s Ad Apocalypse Is Getting Closer," 10 Aug. 2017
Plans to help boost enrollment at Cerritos Elementary School are moving forward with a five-year partnership with a coding immersion program that could also help transition the campus into a magnet school.

— priscella vega, Glendale News-Press, "Glendale Unified approves 5-year contract with coding immersion program for Cerritos Elementary," 20 July 2017
A few years ago, the camp transitioned its invented holiday into a more inclusive celebration, adding Hanukkah, Halloween, and Easter rituals into the mix.

— maria carter, Country Living, "How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July," 13 July 2017
Under her plan, Flint would remain a customer of the Great Lakes Water Authority for the next 30 years instead of transitioning to a new Flint-area pipeline as planned.

— david eggert, The Seattle Times, "Michigan sues Flint after council refuses to OK water deal," 28 June 2017
Under her plan, Flint would remain a customer of the Great Lakes Water Authority for the next 30 years instead of transitioning to a Flint-area pipeline.

— Washington Post, "Michigan sues Flint after council refuses to OK water deal," 28 June 2017

First Known Use of transition

1946

TRANSITION Defined for English Language Learners

transition

noun

Definition of transition for English Language Learners

: a change from one state or condition to another

transition

verb

Definition of transition for English Language Learners

: to make a change from one state, place, or condition to another : to make a transition

TRANSITION Defined for Kids

transition

noun tran·si·tion \ tran-ˈsi-shən , -ˈzi- \

Definition of transition for Students

:an act or the process of passing from one state, stage, place, or subject to another :change

Medical Dictionary

transition

noun tran·si·tion \ tran(t)s-ˈish-ən, tranz-, chiefly British tran(t)s-ˈizh- \

medical Definition of transition

1 :passage from one state or stage to another; especially :an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy

2 :a genetic mutation in RNA or DNA that results from the substitution of one purine base for the other or of one pyrimidine base for the other