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

His real estate portfolio follows a similar global pattern, spanning the same circuit he’s navigated throughout his career, from discreet European hideaways to a high-profile New York City penthouse and a quiet retreat in Colorado. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 May 2026

The current record belongs to Ken Griffin, who paid $238 million for a New York City penthouse in 2019, while the California record belongs to James Jannard, the Oakley founder who sold his Malibu mansion for $210 million in 2024. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Griffin owns a $238 million penthouse on Central Park South that Mamdani wants to tax. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

The 371-foot, 32-story building, which would be the first phase of construction, would include 392 housing units across apartments, duplexes and penthouses alongside commercial space on the ground floor, 481 parking spaces and a deck with a pool. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026

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