Transpire  v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Prec. By it as subject) (of a secret or fact) come to be known; turn out; prove to be the case (it transpired he knew nothing about it). 2 occur; happen. 3  emit (vapour or moisture), or be emitted, through the skin, lungs, or leaves; perspire.  transpiration n. (in sense 3). [latin spiro breathe]