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Penthouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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penthouse

[หˆpษ›nthaสŠs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

luxury accommodation

A penthouse is a luxurious apartment or suite located on the top floor of a high-rise building. It is typically characterized by spacious rooms, high ceilings, and panoramic views of the city skyline or surrounding landscape. Penthouses are often associated with wealth and prestige, offering amenities such as private elevators, rooftop terraces, and exclusive access to facilities like swimming pools and gyms.

Synonyms

exclusive accommodation, luxury apartment, top-floor suite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
penthouse

Use 'penthouse' when referring to a high-end, top-floor apartment often found in a high-rise building with luxurious amenities and great views. It's frequently used in real estate and lifestyle contexts.

  • She buys a penthouse with a panoramic view of the city.
  • The penthouse comes with its own private elevator.
luxury apartment

Refers to a high-quality apartment with premium features and amenities. This term can be used more broadly than 'penthouse' and signifies opulence without specifying floor level.

  • He lives in a luxury apartment with marble floors and a swimming pool.
  • The new development boasts a range of luxury apartments.
top-floor suite

Typically used in the context of hotels or office buildings, a 'top-floor suite' signifies a premium, spacious unit located on the highest floor, often offering better views and amenities.

  • They stayed in the hotel's top-floor suite, which had an amazing view of the skyline.
  • The top-floor suite is reserved for our most important clients.
exclusive accommodation

Use 'exclusive accommodation' to describe a place to stay that offers high-end services and is often available to a select few. It suggests privacy and luxury, sometimes used by premium travel services.

  • We offer exclusive accommodations for our VIP guests.
  • Their exclusive accommodation choices include private villas and suites.

Examples of usage

  • The penthouse on the 50th floor offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • She hosted a glamorous party in her penthouse overlooking Central Park.
  • The penthouse features state-of-the-art appliances and designer furnishings.
  • I aspire to one day live in a penthouse with a view of the ocean.
  • The penthouse is the epitome of luxury living in the heart of the city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Penthouses usually feature large windows, outdoor spaces like terraces, and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Design trends have shifted over time, with modern penthouses incorporating eco-friendly features and open floor plans.
  • Some of the most famous penthouses are located in iconic buildings, becoming major selling points for luxury real estate.

Pop Culture

  • Penthouses are often depicted as glamorous living spaces in movies and TV shows, representing wealth and success.
  • Celebrities and wealthy individuals frequently purchase penthouses in major cities for privacy and luxury living.
  • In literature, a penthouse is metaphorically used to depict the heights of ambition and success, often contrasting with characters' humble beginnings.

History

  • Historically, penthouses were often simple dwellings; over time, they evolved into symbols of wealth and privilege in urban life.
  • The emergence of skyscrapers in the late 19th century paved the way for modern penthouse designs, promoting vertical living.
  • In the 1920s, penthouses became associated with the American elite, as they offered both privacy and luxury in the urban environment.

Origin of 'penthouse'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'penthouse' comes from the Middle English 'pentis', referring to a lean-to or shed.
  • Over time, the word evolved to describe a structure built on rooftops, eventually becoming synonymous with luxury.
  • In architecture, it originally referenced a small building or structure attached to a larger one, particularly in urban settings.

The term 'penthouse' originated in the 1920s, derived from the English word 'pent' meaning 'five' and 'house'. Originally, penthouses were small structures on the roof of a building, typically used for storage or housing the building's water tanks. Over time, penthouses evolved into luxurious living spaces associated with wealth and status. Today, penthouses are sought after for their exclusivity and premium amenities, symbolizing a sophisticated urban lifestyle.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,633, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.