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

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

The centerpiece is a chic sunken living room with a soaring sloped ceiling, large clerestory windows, and Fleetwood doors that frame Pacific Ocean vistas. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025

Classic Wright touches include clerestory windows and panes that almost completely wrap around the building, as well as large fireplaces at the center of the assembly room. —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025

The other bedroom is directly off the living room, with a row of clerestory windows and a closet. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 26 Mar. 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