clerestory

noun

clere·​sto·​ry ˈklir-ˌstȯr-ē 

-st(ə-)rē

variants or less commonly clearstory

1

: an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows

2

: gallery

Illustration of clerestory

• clerestory 1

Examples of clerestory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Upon entering through grand double doors, guests are welcomed by an impressive foyer featuring soaring wood ceilings, clerestory glass, and limestone accent walls that frame mesmerizing valley vistas. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025

Its large windows overlook the deck, with additional light from clerestory windows. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Oversized windows at eye level and numerous clerestory windows flood the room with natural light year-round. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025

To the right is the sunken living room, which has a row of clerestory windows and a fireplace with a ceiling-height brick surround. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from clere clear + story

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clerestory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory
• gustatory

Kids Definition

clerestory

noun

clere·​sto·​ry ˈkli(ə)r-ˌstōr-ē 

-ˌstȯr-

plural clerestories

: an outside wall of a room or building that rises above a roof next to it and contains windows