transept

American  

[tran-sept] / ˈtræn sɛpt /

noun

Architecture.

1. any major transverse part of the body of a church, usually crossing the nave, at right angles, at the entrance to the choir.

2. an arm of this, on either side of the central aisle of a church.

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transept British  

/ ˈtrænsɛpt /

noun

1. either of the two wings of a cruciform church at right angles to the nave

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Other Word Forms

• transeptal adjective
• transeptally adverb

Etymology

Origin of transept

From the Anglo-Latin word trānseptum, dating back to 1530–40. See trans-, septum

Example Sentences

Four weeks later, on the day of the concert, Hulthage purchased a tuxedo but had yet to change as he helped set up chairs for the strings in the transept of Westwood United Methodist Church.

From Los Angeles Times

The restoration lasted over a year, and in that time the cathedral was turned into a bit of a building site, with a maze of scaffolds set up on the altar and transept.

From BBC

Scientists say they are nearly certain a lead coffin found beneath the transept is that of Joachim du Bellay, who died in Paris in 1560 at the age of about 37.

From BBC

Cashore spelled it correctly, then clinched the title with the word “transept,” an architectural term for the transverse part of a cross-shaped church.

From Seattle Times

It was only possible to complete the apse, choir and transepts.

From BBC