adjective
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on or from the other side of the Atlantic
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crossing the Atlantic
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of transatlantic
Explanation
If you fly from New York to Paris, you can describe the flight as transatlantic, since you'll be crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Anything that crosses the Atlantic Ocean can be called transatlantic, though the word usually refers to a commercial airplane flight. Cruise ships have transatlantic crossings, and shipping companies sometimes deliver goods via transatlantic routes. The word transatlantic simply adds the Latin prefix trans, "through or across," to the word atlantic.
Vocabulary lists containing transatlantic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Several Sunday papers are running with stories following Prime Minster Andy Burnham's comments that he was open to discussions around the UK formally apologising for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Saturday he was "open" to the UK issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but ruled out financial reparations.
From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026
I knew that it was the closest place in North America to Europe, so when people would do transatlantic flights up until relatively recently, they would stop in Newfoundland.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
It’s true that some transatlantic leaders share Campbell and Doshi’s sunny outlook.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026
“All right. I’d like to wave my hankie as we set sail. A transatlantic voyage to escape German invasion. It’s all so exciting!”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
