transpires; transpired; transpiring
1
formal
: to happen
They wouldn't say what had transpired [=taken place] at the meeting.
No one will soon forget the historic events that transpired on that day.
2
formal
: to become known
—usually used with it
Her name, it transpired, was false. [=(less formally) it turned out that her name was false]
It transpired that they had met previously. [=we found out that they had met previously]
3
technical, of a plant
: to have water evaporate from the surface of leaves
A plant transpires more freely on a hot dry day.
Trees transpire water at a rapid rate.
Cite this Entry
“Transpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/transpire. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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