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’s side and transom windows as well as the large Palladian window above the entry, let the daylight in. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026

Everyone on board helped haul the fish to the transom and then slide it through the tuna door. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 14 Jan. 2026

The space, a former artist’s studio turned residence, opens directly onto the street and is crowned by a transom window that floods the interior with natural light. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2026

The galley style kitchen is filled with light thanks to the transom windows above the countertop and two glass doors leading outside on either end. —Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 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