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.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a woman involved in the collision was in critical condition while in transit to the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

He planned to wait until it arrived to add it to his insurance policy — but the car disappeared in transit, stolen by the transport company.

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

Those figures don’t include American citizens who have fled to other countries or are still in transit to the U.S., the State Department said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Franny, in transit, ignored the telephone in the hall.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

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