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

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

The home office, which is just off this entry, can be closed off by French doors that are crowned by a 5-lite transom window. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025

That left the rocket hanging on a 325-ton overhead crane, which would lift it over the transom into the building's northeast high bay. —Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 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