First Known Use: circa 1542
Dictionary
transept
noun tran·sept \ˈtran(t)-ˌsept\
: the shorter area that goes across and sticks out from the long part of a church and that gives the church the shape of a cross when it is viewed from above
Full Definition of TRANSEPT
: the part of a cruciform church that crosses at right angles to the greatest length between the nave and the apse or choir; also : either of the projecting ends of a transept
— tran·sep·tal \tran(t)-ˈsep-təl\ adjective
See transept defined for English-language learners
See transept defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TRANSEPT
New Latin transeptum, from Latin trans- + septum, saeptum enclosure, wall
Learn More About TRANSEPT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: transept aislePrevious Word in the Dictionary: transennaAll Words Near: transept
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up transept? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).