Definition of transom
1 : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom
2 : a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: such asa : lintelb : a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above itc : the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallowsd : 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
over the transom
: without solicitation or prior arrangement the manuscript arrived over the transom
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of transom from the Web
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Perched on a hill with a striking entry showcasing a tall front door and large transom, the home is equipped with a side-entry three-car garage and automatic wrought iron gate, and has a two-year-old radiant barrier roof.
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A diamond fret in the upper transom of the central window is intertwined with a fleur-de-lys pattern.
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One time a woman fell out of her boat and clung desperately to the transom, then swung a single leg up and hooked it on the gunwale, then stayed that way, trailing behind the boat like an uncoordinated sea monster trying to crawl aboard.
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And believe me, this is the sort of over-the-transom story that gives us the heebie jeebies — no offense to Mr. Cann, who also posted video to YouTube which doesn’t quite capture the magic moment.
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.
Illustration of transom
Origin and Etymology of 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
First Known Use: 14th century
TRANSOM Defined for English Language Learners
transom
playDefinition of transom for English Language Learners
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: a small window that is above a door or larger window
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: a stone or wooden bar that goes across the top of a door or window
TRANSOM Defined for Kids
transom
playDefinition of transom for Students
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
Learn More about transom
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See words that rhyme with transom Spanish Central: Translation of transom Nglish: Translation of transom for Spanish speakers
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