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

These have included a penthouse on lower Fifth Avenue, a Brooklyn Heights apartment, and a duplex on Washington Square Park, all of them featuring an abundance of sunlight, soft colors, floral fabrics, and a mix of antique and vintage pieces. — Michael Boodro, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026

And atop that building, the Rivage Bal Harbour, will be a three-level penthouse that takes wellness to the next level. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026

Most of the 106 rooms—the penthouse situation the exception—are snug. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

In the final segment of Creepshow, the horror anthology series written by Stephen King, Upson Pratt, a ruthless old businessman, lives alone in a penthouse fitted with surveillance screens, control panels, and alarm systems. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 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