noun

penthouse

/ˈpɛnthaʊs/ · say it: PENT·house

an apartment on the top floor of a tall building

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a luxurious apartment on the top floor of a tall building

2. (noun) a small structure built on the roof of a building

Examples

1. She lives in a penthouse with stunning views of the city skyline.
2. The penthouse on the roof provides shelter for the building's equipment.

How to use penthouse

Penthouse primarily refers to an exclusive, high-end residential space at the top of a building, typically associated with wealth and prestige. It can also denote a small rooftop structure, though this usage is less common in modern contexts. The term carries aspirational connotations and is standard in real estate and lifestyle contexts.

Common phrases

penthouse apartment
penthouse suite
luxury penthouse
penthouse terrace
penthouse view
penthouse level

Synonyms

luxury apartment · rooftop apartment · top-floor apartment · suite

Opposites

basement · ground floor

Word family

penthouses (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes assume penthouse must be singular and forget it can be pluralized as 'penthouses', or mistakenly believe it refers only to the small structure rather than the luxury apartment.

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