transcontinental

American  

[trans-kon-tn-en-tl] / ˌtræns kɒn tnˈɛn tl /

adjective

1. passing or extending across a continent.

   a transcontinental railroad.

2. on the other, or far, side of a continent.

---

transcontinental British  

/ ˌtrænzkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. crossing a continent

2. on or from the far side of a continent

---

Other Word Forms

• transcontinentally adverb

Etymology

Origin of transcontinental

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; trans- + continental

Explanation

When you fly from New York to California, you can describe your flight as transcontinental, crossing the continent of North America. Use the adjective transcontinental when something goes from one side of a continent to the other, like the European transcontinental railroad called the Orient Express or an airplane flight across Asia. In the nineteenth century, the First Transcontinental Railroad was built in the United States. As well as being the first railway to cross an entire continent, it also marked the coining of the word transcontinental, from trans, "across," and continental, "of a continent."

Example Sentences

The pricing structure will launch later this month in select markets for long-haul international, transcontinental U.S. and select Hawaii flights, with a broader rollout expected later this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The Sixers were making their return transcontinental trip to Perth in the space of six days, having stumbled in the qualifier.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

Hunt Transport Services’ stock dropped 1% after the logistics company recorded lower quarterly revenue, as its transcontinental load volumes declined.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The transcontinental merger is the rail industry’s main hope for reviving freight volumes, which have largely stagnated in recent years.

From Barron's • Dec. 29, 2025

He would have to manage the delivery of supplies, goods, mail, and all exhibit articles sent to the grounds by transcontinental shipping companies, foremost among them the Adams Express Company.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson