penthouse

noun

pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce penthouse (audio)
Synonyms of penthousenext
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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of penthouse in a Sentence

had a small penthouse built to serve as a toolshed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 As the largest shareholder, Lutnick, who bought the penthouse for $44 million in 2017, stood to gain the most from the sale. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2026 The pair first listed their $34 million duplex penthouse atop the Four Seasons Private Residences at One Dalton Street in 2023, eventually reducing the asking price to $29 million before removing it from the market last year. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 The dress, however, is proving difficult to contain—even in the penthouse suite. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penthouse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of penthouse was in the 14th century

Rhymes for penthouse

See All Rhymes for penthouse

Browse Nearby Words

Penthorum
penthouse
penthrite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penthouse. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

penthouse

noun
pent·​house ˈpent-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce penthouse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on penthouse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penthouse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All