transcontinental

[ trans-kon-tn-en-tl ]

adjective

1. passing or extending across a continent:

   a transcontinental railroad.

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

transcontinental

/ ˌtrænzkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. crossing a continent
2. on or from the far side of a continent

Derived Forms

• ˌtranscontiˈnentally, adverb

Other Words From

• transcon·ti·nental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of transcontinental¹

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

Example Sentences

“Trans men and trans masculine people are redefining masculinity,” says the 27-year-old, who was the first trans person to run across the transcontinental United States.

From Los Angeles Times

“Harry Young” made his way to Woodland, which had developed a busy Chinatown populated by immigrants who had come to work on the transcontinental railroad.

From Los Angeles Times

To the south, its territory extends to Interstate 40, a major transcontinental trucking route; its 140-mile stretch from Barstow to Needles has no first responders stationed between the two cities.

From Los Angeles Times

David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone star in this fast-paced sci-fi epic about the Transcontinental Death Race, in which drivers collect points for killing spectators and pedestrians.

From Los Angeles Times

In “Europapa,” he raps about a transcontinental journey that is also tribute to his parents, who both died when Klein was young.

From New York Times