transept
Americannoun
-
any major transverse part of the body of a church, usually crossing the nave, at right angles, at the entrance to the choir.
-
an arm of this, on either side of the central aisle of a church.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of transept
From the Anglo-Latin word trānseptum, dating back to 1530–40. See trans-, septum
Explanation
A transept is the section of a building that runs perpendicular to its main part, forming a kind of cross shape. Many transepts are found in churches. If you can remember that trans, "across" in Latin, sometimes conveys the idea of "cross," you've nailed this one: it's the cross part in a cross-shaped church, the other section being the "nave." The Latin word saeptum forms the end of transept. It means "fence or enclosure." You're most likely to come across a transept in a Romanesque or Gothic church, although it can also mean a hall or wing that crosses the main part of a building.
Vocabulary lists containing transept
Quiz yourself on these words spoken by the man at the center of the "Laurel" / "Yanny" craze!
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Art History
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Faith Leaders and Representatives are led to places in the North Transept.
From BBC • May 5, 2023
Other literary greats to be commemorated in Westminster Abbey's South Transept are Samuel Johnson, John Keats and the Bronte sisters.
From BBC • Nov. 22, 2013
Here’s the Archbishop of York atop a stepladder, carefully piling grapefruit in neat pyramids in the North Transept.
From Slate
The North Transept differs materially from the south in the dimensions and character of the windows, which in the south transept are larger and more elaborate.
From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George
The North-East Transept is the chapel of St. John Baptist, and contains a Decorated piscina.
From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Wells A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Dearmer, Percy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
