noun
tranny
TRA-nee
Tranny (noun) means a vehicle's transmission (informal shortening). Example: “The mechanic said the tranny needed replacing.”
noun
1
A vehicle's transmission (informal shortening).
"Other incidents where the tranny suddenly locks up in high gear and requires that the car be restarted to return to normal."
— Phil Edmonston, Lemon-Aid Used Cars and Trucks 2012–2013 (2012)
"The mechanic said the tranny needed replacing."
2
A transistor radio (dated informal usage).
"We talk, and I listen to Radio Luxembourg on my tranny – I have a little earplug, so if any teachers come in they won't hear it."
— Dave Thompson, To Major Tom (2012)
"He listened to the match on an old tranny."
"He spent most of his time in his darkened storeroom with a tranny and an earplug while his kid ran riot in the classroom."
— Paul Vautin, Turn It Up! (1995)
How to use tranny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal slang, most commonly short for "transmission" in car mechanics.
When to use it
When used to refer to a transgender person, this word is widely considered a slur and is best avoided; use "trans person" or "transgender person" instead.
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Word forms
- Plural
- trannies
Etymology
A shortened, informal form of words beginning with "trans-" (transmission, transistor, transgender), plus the diminutive suffix -y.
Rhymes for tranny
See all rhymes for tranny →Frequently asked questions
What does “tranny” mean?
The word “tranny” means a vehicle's transmission (informal shortening). In plain terms, informal slang, most commonly short for "transmission" in car mechanics.
How do you pronounce “tranny”?
“Tranny” is pronounced TRA-nee (/ˈtɹæni/ in IPA).
How do you use “tranny” in a sentence?
Here is “tranny” used in a sentence: “The mechanic said the tranny needed replacing.”
What part of speech is “tranny”?
“Tranny” is a noun.
How many meanings does “tranny” have?
“Tranny” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vehicle's transmission (informal shortening).
