in transit

American

[in tran-zit, -sit] / ˌɪn ˈtræn zɪt, -sɪt /

idiom

on the way to a destination; in the process of traveling or being shipped from one place to another.

She’s still in transit, as her flight was delayed.
If your package has been damaged in transit, please contact us immediately.

Etymology

Origin of in transit

First recorded in 1780–90

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.

VAT Group said certain components were blocked in transit after the Iran war broke out in late February, forcing the company to defer some orders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Most states give buyers anywhere from a week to 30 days to transfer coverage from another vehicle, but don’t count on that window to protect a car in transit.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The last shipment of jet fuel in transit from the Middle East to the UK is due to arrive this week, according to data firm Vortexa.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“The K line presents an opportunity for a different choice, an opportunity to learn from this history and ensure that investment in transit uplifts rather than harms.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

By a routine that was not even secret, all letters were opened in transit.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023