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
• annex
• extension

Examples of penthouse in a Sentence

had a small penthouse built to serve as a toolshed

Recent Examples on the Web

With an in-suite elevator, a private entrance, high ceilings and a foyer home to 100-year-old olive trees, this duplex four-bedroom penthouse is fit for royalty and celebrities, like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who stayed here during the hotel’s grand opening. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

As of June 1, about 40 households had signed leases for apartments ranging in size from 613-square-foot one-bedrooms to 2,100-square-foot penthouses. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025

The unemployed son will inherit the family purse eventually and maybe even buy his own penthouse duplex, but right now his mother is still cutting his rent checks. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 June 2025

In Tribeca, penthouses with similar square footage, prewar detailing, and bespoke finishes often command between $10 million and $15 million. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 June 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