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

“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

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

In the mid-1800s, it was Chinese workers who built the western leg of the transcontinental railroad across the Sierra Nevada.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the migrants have traveled for months from South America and beyond, crossing oceans, jungles, mountains, cities and deserts in a transcontinental odyssey.

From Los Angeles Times