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

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

As the name suggests, there is hidden space in the transom for stowing a tender while running. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2024

Lisa and team were able to restore the original chimney, floors, hardware, and transom windows, and extend the Craftsman details to the addition. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024

The tender garage has a dropdown transom hatch that turns into a swim platform when lowered. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024

At the opposite end, the transom folds down to create a large swim platform that can be used for lounging or launching water toys. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2024

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
• transom window

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