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

In March, Ronaldinho bought an $8 million penthouse at Onda Residences in Bay Harbor Islands. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

That laidback electronic tune has spent four of its 12 weeks on the Official Singles Downloads tally in the penthouse. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

This Paris penthouse was originally published in AD Germany. — Anna-Lena Reith, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026

Big hitters can take all six penthouse suites to form a private 10,000-square-foot refuge for 22 people that has full run of the top level, akin to a dedicated superyacht owner’s deck. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 23 June 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