penthouse

UK: ˈpenthaus | US: ˈpenthaus

Definition
  1. n. a luxurious apartment or dwelling on the top floor of a building

  2. n. (historical) a small structure attached to the roof or side of a main building

Structure
pent <slope, from Old French *appentis*>house <dwelling>
Etymology

The word "penthouse" originated from the Old French appentis (a sloping roof or appendage), which was later altered in English to resemble "pent" (sloped) + "house." Originally, it referred to a secondary structure attached to a main building, often with a sloping roof. Over time, the meaning shifted to denote luxurious top-floor apartments, likely due to their elevated and exclusive nature.

Examples
  1. The CEO lives in a lavish penthouse overlooking the city.

  2. The penthouse features a private rooftop garden.

  3. Historically, a penthouse was a simple outbuilding with a sloped roof.

  4. They hosted a party in their penthouse last weekend.

  5. The penthouse offers stunning views of the skyline.