transient, transitory, ephemeral, momentary, fugitive, fleeting, evanescent mean lasting or staying only a short time. transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

TRANSIENT definition: not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory. See examples of transient used in a sentence.

TRANSIENT definition: 1. lasting for only a short time; temporary: 2. someone who lives only temporarily in a place: 3…. Learn more.

1. not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory. 2. lasting only a short time; existing briefly; temporary: transient authority. 3. staying only a short time: transient guests at a hotel. n. 4. a person or thing that …

not permanent; transitory: a transient illness. staying only a short time and passing through: transient guests at a hotel. n. [countable] a person or thing that is transient: Transients for Flight 806 will wait …

If something is transient, it only lasts a short time, such as an electrical surge due to lightning.

Jan 18, 2026 · Noun transient (plural transients) Something that is transient. (physics) A transient phenomenon, especially an electric current; a very brief surge. (acoustics) A relatively loud, non …

Definition of transient adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word transient, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

One that is transient, especially a hotel guest or boarder who stays for only a brief time.