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

Just beyond are more double doors with glass panes capped by a transom window. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025

The lightweight, saltwater-resistant, carbon-fiber unit can easily transform any transom into a personal tee box in less than 10 minutes, with no retrofitting required. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

The reaction releases carbon dioxide, which pushes the glycol out through a tiny opening in the tiny transom. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025

The front door, defined by wide pilasters and sidelights topped by a crosshead with transom windows beckons visitors to step into an impressive and welcoming entry hall. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 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