penthouse

noun

pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s 

1

a

: a shed or roof attached to and sloping from a wall or building

b

: a smaller structure joined to a building : annex

2

: a structure or dwelling on the roof or top floor of a building

Synonyms of penthouse

• addition

Examples of penthouse in a Sentence

had a small penthouse built to serve as a toolshed

Recent Examples on the Web

This pendulum is the story of the artist Kleio Gizeli, a pendulum that reaches from the secret space of an apartment to the visible world of a school classroom, from a penthouse in Kypseli, Athens to the life of its streets, from miniature works to the social work of education. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026

The Joule Dallas, Texas After years of renovations and a major expansion, The Joule now takes up almost an entire city block and features 160 rooms and penthouses, a subterranean spa, a rooftop terrace, a cantilevered pool, and multiple dining and retail venues. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

The mother, meanwhile, is dying quietly in the penthouse at 1040 Fifth Avenue. —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026

This penthouse in Genoa is a treasure chest inspired by the lives of its owners, inveterate travelers, as reflected through the discerning gaze of the home’s architect. —Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English pentis, from Anglo-French apentiz, from apent, past participle of apendre, appendre to attach, hang against — more at append

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for penthouse

• alehouse
• almshouse
• backhouse
• baghouse
• bakehouse
• bathhouse
• bauhaus
• blockhouse
• boathouse
• brewhouse
• bunkhouse
• clubhouse

Kids Definition

penthouse

noun

pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s 

1

: a sloping roof or a shed attached to a wall or building

2

: a structure (as an apartment) built on the roof of a building