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

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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.
Mamdani and Hochul announced it in April, with Mamdani unveiling the plan in a video filmed outside Citadel billionaire Ken Griffin’s $238 million penthouse. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 News reports at the time said Getty sold the penthouse in 1998 for $15 million, then reported as the city’s most expensive residential sale. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Post-lockdown, the property welcomed a sprawling new penthouse, tucked up in the castle’s eaves, the perfect vantage point from which to take in views of the Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, and the Mull of Kintyre. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 For now, the billionaire’s penthouse remains vacant, and his basketball court too. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

Penthorum
penthouse
penthrite
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Cite this Entry

“Penthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penthouse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

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