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.

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

Pakistan is also reportedly planning to escort its own ships in transit through the strait.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 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

And then the frosted doors slide open and once again they are officially there, no longer in transit, swallowed by hugs and kisses and pinched cheeks and smiles.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

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