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

Last week, in a penthouse venue overlooking lower Manhattan, more than a dozen journalists clustered around rows of monitors as OpenAI unveiled its latest offering, called Shopping Research. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025

The ultimate expression of this is Glinda’s fabulous penthouse apartment, which is circles within circles. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 25 Nov. 2025

Piña’s penthouse apartment spans almost the entire top floor and boasts many of the architectural touches that Fickett was known for, including an indoor-outdoor floor plan that connects to a lanai, vaulted ceilings, partial walls and lots of glass. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025

In this riches-to-rags spin, Eloise and Nanny are forced to relocate from the penthouse while the Plaza undergoes a massive makeover. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 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