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

• addition

Examples of penthouse in a Sentence

had a small penthouse built to serve as a toolshed

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the summer, the pair’s Manhattan penthouse sold for $14 million after a bidding war. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025

Perched at the top of the building, a triplex penthouse spanning more than 3,300 square feet—plus nearly 2,000 square feet of landscaped terraces—embodies Ban’s signature blend of precision and playfulness. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025

Wiegers’ 4,761-square-foot penthouse included three bedrooms, four baths and terraces facing west, north, and east. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025

But not the very top — Paloma and Strati decide to save the penthouse for later. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 23 Oct. 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