clerestory

noun

clere·​sto·​ry ˈklir-ˌstȯr-ē 

-st(ə-)rē

variants or less commonly clearstory

1

: an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows

2

: gallery

Illustration of clerestory

• clerestory 1

Examples of clerestory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Upon entering, your eyes are immediately drawn upward by soaring wood ceilings and clerestory windows, while towering walls of glass frame sweeping ocean and horizon views. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025

The design for the ADU includes windows at the very top, called clerestory windows, to allow light into the second floor. —Lauren De Young, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

This walk-in shower's clerestory window and glass door allow natural light to flow in and out of the bathroom. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025

The sunroom features walls of glass and clerestory windows that showcase the expansive backyard, which is surrounded by tall, mature redwood trees that provide both privacy and shade. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from clere clear + story

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clerestory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory
• gustatory

Kids Definition

clerestory

noun

clere·​sto·​ry ˈkli(ə)r-ˌstōr-ē 

-ˌstȯr-

plural clerestories

: an outside wall of a room or building that rises above a roof next to it and contains windows