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

The front door is flanked by sidelights, has an arched transom window above it, and is recessed to offer weather protection. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

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

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