noun Uncommon

penthouse

PEHN-tows

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Penthouse (noun) means a luxury apartment on the top floor of a building, usually with wide views. Example: “The couple bought a penthouse overlooking the harbor.”

noun

A luxury apartment on the top floor of a building, usually with wide views.

"The couple bought a penthouse overlooking the harbor."

"Rent for the penthouse suite was triple that of the units below it."

How to use penthouse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA high-end apartment at the top of a building.

Common pairings

a luxury penthouse penthouse suite penthouse apartment

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: penthouses
Third person singular: penthouses
Past tense: penthoused

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The couple bought a _____ overlooking the harbor.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman pentiz, altered over time (by folk etymology) to resemble "house" — originally referred to a lean-to shed attached to a wall.

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Rhymes for penthouse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

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Frequently asked questions

What does “penthouse” mean?

The word “penthouse” means a luxury apartment on the top floor of a building, usually with wide views. In plain terms, a high-end apartment at the top of a building.

How do you pronounce “penthouse”?

“Penthouse” is pronounced PEHN-tows (/ˈpɛnt(h)aʊs/ in IPA).

How do you use “penthouse” in a sentence?

Here is “penthouse” used in a sentence: “The couple bought a penthouse overlooking the harbor.”

What part of speech is “penthouse”?

“Penthouse” is a noun.

Where does the word “penthouse” come from?

The word “penthouse” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman pentiz, altered over time (by folk etymology) to resemble "house" — originally referred to a lean-to shed attached to a wall.

Is “penthouse” a common word?

“Penthouse” is an uncommon word in modern English.