WordGarden.ioskylight
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /skˈaɪlaɪt/
US
- /ˈskaɪˌlaɪt/
Meanings
Noun
a window set into a roof or ceiling to let in daylight
Beyond the definition
Imagine lying in bed on a rainy day, watching the drops fall right above you – that's often thanks to a skylight! A skylight isn't like your typical window; it's fitted into the roof of a building. It lets natural sunlight pour into a space, making rooms brighter and more cheerful. Think of cozy attics transformed with light, or modern kitchens bathed in sunshine – skylights are often key to creating those spaces. They can even open up like windows for fresh air!
Sometimes called "roof windows," they're different from dormers because they're flush with the roofline rather than projecting outwards. You might find them in homes, greenhouses, or even commercial buildings where maximizing natural light is important. A well-placed skylight can save on electricity bills and make a room feel much larger.
A skylight is essentially a window installed in a roof, designed to bring daylight into a building from above. While the idea of letting sunlight stream through the ceiling might seem modern, people have been using variations of skylights for centuries—ancient Romans even used translucent materials like mica in their roofs to allow light into interior spaces.
Today's skylights come in many forms: fixed (non-opening), vented or operable (which can be opened for airflow), tubular (using a highly reflective tube to channel sunlight into windowless rooms), and even solar-powered versions. They are popular choices for attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways—anywhere where traditional side-wall windows aren't practical.
Skylights offer more than just illumination; they can improve mood, reduce the need for artificial lighting, and assist with ventilation. However, it's important to consider factors like insulation (to prevent unwanted heat loss or gain) and proper installation to avoid leaks. In everyday use, the word almost always refers to the roof window itself, whether you're admiring the stars through it at night or enjoying extra daylight in a once-dark room.
Examples
- 1
Home improvement
We had a skylight installed in the kitchen, and the whole room feels brighter now.
- 2
Weather leak
Rain started dripping through the skylight during the storm.
- Patternthrough + opening
entering or passing by way of it
- 3
Natural light
The top-floor studio has skylights along the roof, so we hardly need to turn the lights on during the day.
See also
Similar
- roof window
- rooflight
Shades of meaning
- roof lantern
Contrast
- ordinary window
- clerestory
Used with (collocations)
- install a skylight
- leaking skylight
- fixed skylight
- vented skylight
Word family
- skylit
Explore
- daylighting
- light well
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- skylightnoun
Forms
- skylightspluralnoun