penthouse

noun

pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce penthouse (audio)
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

Examples of penthouse in a Sentence

had a small penthouse built to serve as a toolshed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Within are five bedrooms with their own private terraces, a landscaped patio area and infinity pool—a new penthouse poster child for elevated standards. Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 3 July 2025 The sale marked a new record for most expensive penthouse sold in Downtown Nashville. Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Much like Eloise, who lived with her parents in the penthouse suite — along with a pug, a pet turtle and nanny — Marie-Louise grew up mostly at Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, on the Tuscan coast, which her father bought in 1979. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 June 2025 The Dallas location has a penthouse bar named Mirador. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penthouse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of penthouse was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Penthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penthouse. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

penthouse

noun
pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce penthouse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on penthouse

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