transition

play

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

Definition of transition

1a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : changeb : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another
2a : a musical modulationb : 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

transitional

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

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

And that points to something else, which has long been assumed in Brussels and is slowly being accepted in London: that there must be a transition period after March 30th 2019.

— The Economist, "The six flavours of Brexit," 22 July 2017
That role was previously filled by Jamie Gorelick, a former deputy attorney general in the Clinton Administration who navigated Kushner through federal ethics rules during his transition to the White House.

— matt ford, The Atlantic, "A Shake-Up on the Trump Legal Teams," 14 July 2017
This is going to be a huge, tough, transition for businesses and residents.

— sue kiesewetter, Cincinnati.com, "Consulting firm to help West Chester find next administrator," 14 July 2017
That Jared Kushner’s attempt, during the transition, to secure a back channel with the Russian government using their secure communications equipment in the Russian embassy was not alarming/inexplicable.

— mona charen, National Review, "16 Things You Must Believe to Buy the ‘Witch Hunt’ Russia Narrative," 14 July 2017
Shalom Bayit offers a full spectrum of short-and long-term compassionate assistance and confidential services to help domestic abuse survivors and their children transition to a new life, free of fear and intimidation.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Jewish Community Services helping domestic abuse victims," 14 July 2017
However, many state programs were vague in describing gender-transition benefits.

— shefali luthra, Kaiser Health News, "Transgender Health Care Targeted In Crusade To Undo ACA," 13 July 2017
The very idea may sound like a parody of an acting class exercise, but the transitions from walking and speaking to pecking and clucking are sometimes stunning.

— anita gates, New York Times, "Review: ‘Chickens in the Yard,’ and Family Conflict, Too," 3 July 2017
Coaching was a natural transition once Brian’s playing days ended in Canada.

— mike carmin, The Courier-Journal, "No escaping football for Purdue's Brian Brohm," 30 June 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 tran·si·tion

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

For many people, direct selling is a way to supplement their incomes, although some people transition successfully to full-time gigs.

— arricca sansone, Woman's Day, "8 of the Best Direct Selling Companies to Earn Extra Cash," 23 June 2017
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — Transitioning from Formula One to Formula E to IndyCar has tested Esteban Gutierrez.

— dave kallmann, USA TODAY Sports, "Esteban Gutierrez settling in as Sebastien Bourdais' IndyCar replacement," 23 June 2017
Her experience both in prison generally and transitioning specifically was filled with completely gratuitous challenges and difficulties caused by malicious or ignorant prison authorities.

— glenn greenwald, The Intercept, "Chelsea Manning is a Free Woman: Her Heroism Has Expanded Beyond Her Initial Whistle-Blowing," 17 May 2017
Since transitioning from public school teaching to a career as a freelance writer, my online footprint has only grown.

— melissa petro, Redbook, "I've Made a Career Writing About My Sexcapades — and Now I'm Pregnant," 22 Feb. 2017

First Known Use of transition

1946

TRANSITION Defined for English Language Learners

transition

play

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

play

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

play play

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