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

Son laughs, recalling that decision during an interview in his Tokyo penthouse office, which overlooks Edo-period gardens. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

The North Beach residential complex features four duplex penthouses, 350 feet of ocean frontage, and over 60,000 square feet of amenities. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Perhaps her most memorable challenge was the 4,700-square-foot, one-bedroom penthouse at Independence Place in Washington Square that tested every creative instinct. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Sets built in the multi-use studio included an upside-down passenger plane fuselage and an ornate Shanghai penthouse built over the indoor water tank, which were both used for high-octane action scenes. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025

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