penthouse
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
an expensive and comfortable apartment on the top floor of a tall building.
a luxury apartment or suite located on the highest floor of a high-rise building, often featuring premium amenities and outdoor space.
Simple“They moved into a penthouse overlooking the city park after his promotion.”
In context“The developer converted the top two floors into a sprawling penthouse, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private roof garden.”
Synonymsluxury suitetop floor flatAntonymsbasement apartment - 02 C2 Proficiency
a small building or roof that leans against the side of a larger building.
a subsidiary structure or shed with a sloping roof, attached to the wall of a main building for protection or storage.
Simple“The old farmhouse had a small penthouse for storing firewood against the north wall.”
In context“Architectural historians noted the presence of a timber-framed penthouse that once sheltered the market stalls from the rain.”
UsageIn modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'lean-to' or 'outbuilding'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
one of the sloping roofs that go around the sides of a real tennis court.
the sloping roof structure that covers the galleries along three sides of a real tennis court.
Simple“The ball bounced off the penthouse and landed in the hazard area.”
In context“Mastering the serve requires the player to strike the ball so it rolls along the penthouse roof before dropping into the opponent's court.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to 'real tennis' (the historical sport), not modern lawn tennis.
“He didn’t even have it in him to get off his couch in his million-dollar penthouse to kiss Donald Trump’s ring in person.”
“So if you’re lucky enough to rent or own a penthouse, attic apartment or loft with a balcony or terrace, you should be in the clear.”
From Anglo-Norman pentiz (“pentice”), from apendiz (“appentice”), ultimately from a suffixed form of Latin appendō (“I append”). Altered by folk etymology to appear to be a compound of house. Doublet of appentice and pentice.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.