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

In addition, the penthouse of the Hot 100 has been unusually stagnant over the past year, with smashes remaining in the top 10 for months on end. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2025

In 2009, the entertainers purchased a $4 million penthouse and a second $7 million apartment in Sydney. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

Near the penthouse level, a balcony stretches across the building, offering a swimming pool and a vertiginous view of the city. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Click here for more images of the Abu Dhabi penthouse. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 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