transit

Everyday

1. Transit is the act of carrying people or goods from one place to another: the parcel was lost in transit. tree →
2. (US, Canada) Transit, or public transit, is the system of buses, trains and subways that people use to travel. tree →
3. (science) A transit is when a planet or moon passes in front of a bigger object, such as the Sun. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, parcels are «in transit» while being delivered; a «transit passenger» changes planes. In geography and city life, public transit carries people to school and work. In science lessons, a transit of a planet across the Sun. Phrases: in transit, public transit, a transit van (UK), transit lounge.

Examples

• Your parcel is in transit and will arrive tomorrow. tree →
• Many people use public transit to get to work. tree →
• The vase was broken in transit. tree →
• We waited in the transit lounge before our next flight. tree →
• Astronomers watched the transit of Venus across the Sun. tree →
• The builder drives a white Transit van. tree →
• It is crowded with passengers, for the transit is quicker than by sea. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: «in transit». US/Canadian «public transit» is UK «public transport». A «Transit van» (UK) is a brand of van written with a capital T. Related: transport, transition, transmit.