transom

/ˈtrænsəm/ (bre, ipa) · [trˈænsəm] /ˈtrænsəm/ (ame, ipa) · [trˈænsəm] /ˈtran(t)-səm How to pronounce transom (audio)/ (ame, mw)

transom — noun

  • transomsingular
  • transomsplural

1. A horizontal beam, usually of timber or stone, built above a door or tall window

1.名詞B2
釋義

A horizontal beam, usually of timber or stone, built above a door or tall window to separate it from the smaller glazed panel overhead.

例句

The painter carefully restored the carved wooden transom above the front door.

collocation: wooden transom above [a door]

Amina traced her finger along the stone transom at the cathedral entrance.

同義詞
  • crosspiece

    a more general term for any horizontal structural member; transom is specifically architectural

  • crossbar

    similar meaning but more common in sports and vehicles; transom is the architectural term

  • lintel

    a structural beam that supports the wall ABOVE an opening; a transom divides an opening rather than bearing weight

用法筆記

Distinguish from Sense 2 — this is the structural crossbar, not the window. In everyday speech, people often say 'transom' to mean the window itself (Sense 2), but in architecture and carpentry it strictly means the dividing bar.

常見錯誤

❌The transom let sunlight into the room.
✅The fanlight above the transom let sunlight into the room.
💡The transom is the bar; the window is the fanlight or transom window.
❌She leaned against the transom to look outside.
✅She stood by the door and looked through the transom window.
💡You cannot lean against a transom when it means the window (Sense 2); when it means the bar (Sense 1), leaning against it is physically awkward.

2. A short window placed directly above a door, often hinged at the bottom so it ca

2.名詞B2
釋義

A short window placed directly above a door, often hinged at the bottom so it can tilt open to let in light or fresh air.

例句

Mei opened the transom above her front door to let the summer breeze through.

functional use: transom that opens for ventilation

The stained-glass transom cast squares of red and blue light onto the hallway floor.

同義詞
  • fanlight

    specifically a semi-circular or fan-shaped window above a door, common in Georgian and Victorian buildings

  • transom window

    the full form; 'transom' is the everyday shortened version

用法筆記

This is the more common everyday meaning. Often called a 'transom window' or 'fanlight' (especially when it has a semi-circular, fan-like shape). Common in older buildings built before electric lighting became standard.

常見錯誤

❌I climbed through the transom.
✅I opened the transom to let in some air.
💡A transom is too small to climb through; it is for light and ventilation only.