# penthouse

/ˈpɛntˌhaʊs/ (US) · /pˈɛnthaʊs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/penthouse
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. luxury top-floor apartment

noun · CEFR B2

an expensive and comfortable apartment on the top floor of a tall building.

For teachers: a luxury apartment or suite located on the highest floor of a high-rise building, often featuring premium amenities and outdoor space.

- They moved into a penthouse overlooking the city park after his promotion.
- The developer converted the top two floors into a sprawling penthouse, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private roof garden.

### 2. sloping roof structure

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a small building or roof that leans against the side of a larger building.

For teachers: a subsidiary structure or shed with a sloping roof, attached to the wall of a main building for protection or storage.

- The old farmhouse had a small penthouse for storing firewood against the north wall.
- Architectural historians noted the presence of a timber-framed penthouse that once sheltered the market stalls from the rain.

Usage: In modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'lean-to' or 'outbuilding'.

### 3. real tennis court roof

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

one of the sloping roofs that go around the sides of a real tennis court.

For teachers: the sloping roof structure that covers the galleries along three sides of a real tennis court.

- The ball bounced off the penthouse and landed in the hazard area.
- Mastering the serve requires the player to strike the ball so it rolls along the penthouse roof before dropping into the opponent's court.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to 'real tennis' (the historical sport), not modern lawn tennis.

## Examples

- The celebrity lives in a luxury penthouse in the city center.
- From the balcony of her penthouse, she could see the entire skyline glowing at night.
- The architect designed the penthouse with floor-to-ceiling glass walls to maximize the panoramic views of the harbor and the surrounding mountains.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.