transition

noun

tran·si·tion | \tran(t)-ˈsi-shən,

tran-ˈzi-, chiefly British tran(t)-ˈsi-zhən\

Definition of transition

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

2a : 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

transition

verb

transitioned; transitioning; transitions

Definition of transition (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to make a transition transition into college

Other Words from transition More Example Sentences Learn More about transition

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from transition

Noun

transitional \ tran(t)-ˈsish-nəl ,

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

transitionally adverb

Examples of transition in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

This year’s Emmy nominations come amid a summer of great transition in the television industry. — Meg James, latimes.com, "Netflix nudges past HBO to top Emmy nominations list with 112," 12 July 2018 McManus and Salazar are meeting this week to work out details of the transition, Walsh said. — Jasper Scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Tour of new intake center renews rift between officials," 11 July 2018 Even elections could be affected if the period of transition to a federal system is deemed an excuse to delay them (the next ones, for half the Senate and the entire House, are due in May). — The Economist, "The president of the Philippines wants to change the constitution," 28 June 2018 Commencement is a time of transition for parents, too. — Katie Reilly, Time, "'Be Your Own Cheerleader.' Mindy Kaling Gives Dartmouth Graduates Advice on Delusion, Dating and Success," 11 June 2018 Investors: Sometimes taking this seriously The effects of this low-carbon transition are already becoming noticeable, even in the US, despite the Trump administration's pro-fossil fuel policies. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Researchers predict economic downturn if fossil fuel investment goes unchecked," 5 June 2018 At a press conference at the NOPSI Hotel on Thursday (May 31), Essence Magazine Entertainment Director Cori Murray said that the 2018 fest will take place during a time of transition at the parent company. — Doug Maccash, NOLA.com, "Essence Fest 2018: Expect a big turnout and Big Freedia," 31 May 2018 The only story of transition to grate on me in this episode was in the farewell to Shogun World. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "Westworld: From Cradle to Grave," 28 May 2018 Those involved in Russian operations at the end of the 1990s had a front row seat to a time of great transition in Russia, said retired senior CIA official Mark Kelton, who also worked with Haspel on Russia. — Fox News, "CIA's Haspel can tap undercover work in Russian operations," 19 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The men’s program is now transitioning with Kevin Ollie’s firing, although Ollie is attempting to keep the university on the hook for the remaining $10 million left on his contract. — Kelli Stacy, courant.com, "Historically Low Attendance At UConn Men's Basketball, Football Games As Programs Try To Rebuild," 10 July 2018 Starbucks itself is transitioning in the United States from a fast-growing company to one that’s more likely to rise and fall with the rest of the economy. — Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, "Howard Schultz to Step Down as Starbucks Executive Chairman," 4 June 2018 The mall is transitioning from a mostly retail focus to one that also will include office, medical, hotel, entertainment and residential uses. — Russ Wiles, azcentral, "Sears at Phoenix Metrocenter is one of 63 closing around U.S.," 31 May 2018 The French Kitchen restaurant at the Lord Baltimore Hotel is transitioning into a space for catering and special events. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Lord Baltimore Hotel's French Kitchen becoming catering and event space," 30 May 2018 Officials involved in the study are transitioning into the second phase. — Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "University of Wisconsin part of major study on concussions in sports," 30 May 2018 And stars are transitioning the trend into spring, thanks to the little blazer dress. — Sarah Ball, PEOPLE.com, "Buy It Now: The Blazer Dress Celebs Are Loving," 28 May 2018 Shonda Rhimes, who is transitioning her episodic empire from ABC to Netflix, does the same. — refinery29.com, "This New Study Proves That Hollywood Does Not Get Intersectionality," 23 May 2018 Start transitioning your experience by reviewing the skills employers need in the marketplace. — Kimberly Thompson, Houston Chronicle, "Career Rescue: Discuss military career with civilian-friendly job skills," 20 May 2018

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about transition

Dictionary Entries near transition

transitional epithelium

Statistics for transition

Last Updated

8 Nov 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for transition

The first known use of transition was in 1551

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for transition

transition

noun

English Language Learners Definition of transition

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a change from one state or condition to another

transition

verb

English Language Learners Definition of transition (Entry 2 of 2)

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

See the full definition for transition in the English Language Learners Dictionary

transition

noun

tran·si·tion | \tran-ˈsi-shən,

-ˈzi-\

Kids Definition of transition

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

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