What does skylight mean?
A skylight is a window built into a roof or ceiling to bring natural light into an interior space. It is especially useful in rooms that have limited wall space, such as stairwells, bathrooms, kitchens, and extensions. Some skylights are fixed and consist of a transparent or translucent panel, while others are designed to open for ventilation. The word is used in both British and American English, although 'roof light' is especially common in British usage. In everyday conversation, skylight can refer both to the opening or glazing itself and to the complete window installation. A skylight can make a room feel brighter and more open, but it is also a practical architectural feature that may require weatherproofing, cleaning, and occasional maintenance.
nounA window set in a roof or ceiling, designed to admit natural light into a building. It may be flat or angled and can often be opened for ventilation.
- A window in a roof or ceiling that admits daylight and, in some cases, can be opened to provide ventilation.
"A large skylight brightened the stairwell without obscuring the view of the sky."
"The kitchen has a skylight above the island, which makes the room feel spacious."
"Rain streaked the skylight while the workers continued installing the cabinetry below."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several skylills were installed to bring more daylight into the building."
A skylight brings the open sky indoors, turning the roof into a source of natural light.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skylight come from?
Skylight is a compound formed from sky and light, both of which are of Old English origin. The word developed as a term for a source of light in a building that allowed the sky to be seen from within, later becoming the standard name for a roof window. Its transparent or translucent covering, like its name, admits light from the sky.
How skylight is actually used
The word is common in British and American English. In British English, 'roof light' is also widely used. A skylight may be glazed or translucent, so not every skylight is necessarily a clear window.