transom

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adding transom windows above, and double doors that lead out to the patio, lets in maximum sunlight while keeping bugs at bay. Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025 Original moldings, shutters and transom windows are preserved. Heather Senison, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The full package weighs 32 lb (14.5 kg), but once the mounting bracket is installed on the boat's transom, the weight of the electric outboard itself drops to 26.5 lb (12 kg), making for easy transport to and from the boat. New Atlas, 28 May 2025 Just beyond are more double doors with glass panes capped by a transom window. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transom

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Transom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transom. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

transom

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

More from Merriam-Webster on transom

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