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 2015 five-bedroom, open-plan house has clerestory windows, exposed beams, a vaulted great room with a stone fireplace framed by forest-view windows, a chef's kitchen, a sunroom with a billiards table, and a downstairs theater, wine cellar, and fitness room. —The Week Staff, theweek, 2 July 2024

The house features angled shed roofs; an open-plan great room with 17-foot ceilings, French-oak floors, clerestory windows, and an eat-in chef's kitchen; accordion doors and sliders to decks with mountain views; and a lower level with wet bar, family room, and gym. —The Week Us, theweek, 7 May 2024

The way the light bounces around is incredible, made possible thanks to Wright’s cut-out clerestory windows (low in height and above eye level). —Kristine Hansen, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2023

The scored concrete floors, clerestory windows, clean lines, and organic materiality recall the spirit of midcentury-modern architecture. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from clere clear + story

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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