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

see also:

over the transom

Illustration of transom

• T transom 2

Examples of transom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heading outside, the lengthy foredeck is home to a lounge and Jacuzzi, the sundeck is dotted with sunbeds, and the stern is equipped with a dual-mode transom that combines a garage, a submersible platform, and a beach club into one single system. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026

High transoms usher natural light from the windows into the bedrooms. — Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 16 Aug. 2026

The existing transom window floods the bitty corner with natural light. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing transom

• over-the-transom

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