penthouse

noun

pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce penthouse (audio)
Synonyms of penthousenext
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.
This Midtown East penthouse appears in season two as Barney’s father-in-law’s new residence. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026 On the top floor, the suites can be cleverly combined to form a sprawling, seven-bedroom penthouse. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 In the film, the penthouse was home to Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Belfort. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 Queens Defenders provides legal representation to criminal defendants who can’t afford to hire lawyers, but Zeno and boyfriend Rashad Ruhani used the organization as their personal piggy bank, stealing to pay the rent on their swanky $6,000-a-month Astoria penthouse apartment. John Annese, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penthouse. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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

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