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transom

noun
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tran·​som | \ ˈtran(t)-səm How to pronounce transom (audio) \

Definition of transom

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
over the transom
: without solicitation or prior arrangement the manuscript arrived over the transom

Illustration of transom

Illustration of transom

T transom 2

Examples of transom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To the west, a large master suite features a double-door entry with a stained glass transom window with colors replicated in a vertical striped pattern painted on walls. — Mary Wakeford, azcentral, "From foreclosure to fabulous. Take a look at this Peoria home," 9 Jan. 2020 Many of the windows are floor-to-ceiling (topped with transoms). — John Ellement, Boston.com Real Estate, "Home of the Week: The Marshall Act was passed the year this house was built. It doesn’t look it.," 31 Oct. 2019 In the first half century of the magazine’s existence, the work of women sometimes came in over the transom, like that of Dorothy Hosmer. — Cathy Newman, National Geographic, "The world through the eyes of women," 15 Nov. 2019 Characteristics of its Georgian Colonial style include its long, rectangular shape with an orderly symmetrical façade, and the paneled door with pediment, transom lights, and pilasters — all reflecting an interest in classicism. — Nico Amarca, Marie Claire, "How to Spend 24 Hours in Salem, Massachusetts," 21 Oct. 2019 The boat that had carried them was perhaps 30 feet long, with a 40-horsepower motor on the transom. — Ben Ehrenreich, The New Republic, "Inside the effort to rescue Europe’s unwelcome immigrants," 17 Oct. 2019 French doors with large transoms flank a gas fireplace with a marble surround and carved mantel. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: One of a Kind: Spectacular Mt. Diablo views from a Round Hill North home in Alamo," 12 Aug. 2019 Behind the front door enhanced by leaded glass panels and transom is an open floor plan with a kitchen for casual dining, family room area and living-dining room. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home in Montclair," 15 July 2019 Prep the boat, remove tie-down straps, put the plug in the transom drain, load rod and tackle and coolers and such so that all that time in the ramp is minimized and the next person can put in or take out. — Shannon Tompkins, ExpressNews.com, "On the water, be safe and be nice, too," 20 July 2019

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

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First Known Use of transom

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for transom

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

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Time Traveler for transom

Time Traveler

The first known use of transom was in the 14th century

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Statistics for transom

Last Updated

6 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Transom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transom. Accessed 20 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for transom

transom

noun
How to pronounce transom (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of transom

US : a small window that is above a door or larger window
: a stone or wooden bar that goes across the top of a door or window

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

transom

noun
tran·​som | \ ˈtran-səm How to pronounce transom (audio) \

Kids Definition of transom

1 : a piece that lies crosswise in a structure (as in the frame of a window or of a door that has a window above it)
2 : a window above a door or another window

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More from Merriam-Webster on transom

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with transom

Spanish Central: Translation of transom

Nglish: Translation of transom for Spanish Speakers

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