transatlantic

American  

[trans-uht-lan-tik, tranz-] / ˌtræns ətˈlæn tɪk, ˌtrænz- /

adjective

1. crossing or reaching across the Atlantic.

   a transatlantic liner.

2. situated beyond the Atlantic.

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transatlantic British  

/ ˌtrænzətˈlæntɪk /

adjective

1. on or from the other side of the Atlantic

2. crossing the Atlantic

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Other Word Forms

• transatlantically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of transatlantic

First recorded in 1770–80; trans- + Atlantic

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transatlantic

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

"Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security," he said, adding that the Nato had a key role to play in the North Atlantic in a changing security situation.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

And, remarkably, that is the only one of the transatlantic trophies that now resides in US hands as the Solheim joins the Ryder and Walker Cups on this side of the pond.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

In this floating death box, the transatlantic journey took from six to ten weeks.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

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Related Words

• abroad
• foreign

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