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

Upstairs, the penthouse level functions as a private living room for major sporting events and intimate dinners, complete with a poker room. —David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026

Despite remarrying, Jackie held on to her penthouse and returned to it following Onassis’ death in 1975. —Elle Meier, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026

Designed by eccentric furniture designer Max Lamb, these monastically narrow and profoundly uncomfortable seats are the kind of pieces that fill penthouses and palazzos all over the world. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

Architect and exhibition designer Wendy Evan Joseph, who’s worked on prominent projects like the Smithsonian Design Museum, has also shacked up in the post-war high-rise, in a sprawling duplex penthouse now available for $15 million with Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 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