transept

noun

tran·​sept ˈtran(t)-ˌsept 

: the part of a cruciform church that crosses at right angles to the greatest length between the nave and the apse or choir

also : either of the projecting ends of a transept

transeptal

tran(t)-ˈsep-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of transept in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Known for its Jira Service Management platform that works across this whole transept of digital workplace action, Atlassian head of ITSM product Shamik Sharma says AI in this space is now focused on tangible use cases and return on investment. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

The attic, now divided into three fire compartments — choir, transept, and nave — features advanced thermal cameras, smoke detectors, and a revolutionary water-misting system. —Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

The complete analysis of Notre Dame helped in not only documenting what is there, but to further authenticate Medieval artifacts such as the large rose stained glass windows in the cathedral’s transept. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Replacing the Scene of the Fire The roof of the central intersection of the building, known in religious spaces as the transept crossing, was where the original spire collapsed in 2019. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Interior Design As with most Roman Catholic and Western European churches, the floor plan of La Sagrada Familia is based on a Latin cross, with a long nave intersected by a transept to give the structure its basic cruciform shape. —Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024

By the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was just 10 to 15 percent complete, including a crypt, a transept, and some of the apse wall. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

The corners of the building’s transepts will be bumped out to improve sight lines and connections between the entire church building and will add about 100 seats in the process. —Melissa Whatley, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2024

Over time, the former church’s transept became a bathroom; the sacristy a kitchen. —Jeastman, oregonlive, 23 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin transeptum, from Latin trans- + septum, saeptum enclosure, wall

First Known Use

circa 1542, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transept

• accept
• adept
• except
• inept
• precept
• sidestepped
• windswept
• crept
• kept
• leaped
• leapt
• prepped

Kids Definition

transept

noun

tran·​sept ˈtran(t)s-ˌept 

: the section forming the short arm of a church with a cross-shaped floor plan