English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

trans

tranz

Trans (noun) means a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Example: “The event celebrated trans artists and writers.”

noun
1
A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
"The event celebrated trans artists and writers."
"She has several trans friends from her support group."
adj
1
Describing a chemical structure in which two similar groups sit on opposite sides of a bond or molecule.
"The trans isomer has a different melting point from its cis counterpart."

How to use trans

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShort for "transgender," or, in chemistry, describing atoms arranged on opposite sides of a molecule.

Easily confused with

Word forms

transed past tense, transes plural, transes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “trans” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The event celebrated _____ artists and writers.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin "trans," meaning "across" or "on the other side of."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for trans

See all rhymes for trans →

Frequently asked questions

What does “trans” mean?

The word “trans” means a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. In plain terms, short for "transgender," or, in chemistry, describing atoms arranged on opposite sides of a molecule.

How do you pronounce “trans”?

“Trans” is pronounced tranz (/tɹænz/ in IPA).

How do you use “trans” in a sentence?

Here is “trans” used in a sentence: “The event celebrated trans artists and writers.”

What part of speech is “trans”?

Depending on how it is used, “trans” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “trans” come from?

The word “trans” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin "trans," meaning "across" or "on the other side of.".

Is “trans” a common word?

“Trans” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “trans” have?

“Trans” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

What is 'trans' short for?

'Trans' is short for 'transgender'. It is widely used as a shorter, everyday form, both on its own and in phrases like 'trans person', 'trans man', or 'trans woman'. Many people use 'trans' and 'transgender' interchangeably, though the fuller word can feel more formal.

Is 'trans' a respectful term?

Yes. 'Trans' and 'transgender' are the widely accepted, respectful terms in modern English. It is generally best to use 'trans' as an adjective, as in 'a trans person', and to follow the language an individual uses about themselves. Older or clinical labels are now often considered outdated.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial