clerestory

or clear·sto·ry

[ kleer-stawr-ee, -stohr-ee ]

noun

, plural clere·sto·ries.

1. Architecture. a portion of an interior rising above adjacent rooftops and having windows admitting daylight to the interior.
2. a raised construction, as on the roof of a railroad car, having windows or slits for admitting light or air.

clerestory

/ ˈklɪəˌstɔːrɪ /

noun

1. a row of windows in the upper part of the wall of a church that divides the nave from the aisle, set above the aisle roof
2. the part of the wall in which these windows are set Compare blindstorey

Derived Forms

• ˈclereˌstoried, adjective

Other Words From

• clerestoried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerestory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, equivalent to clere clear + story story ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerestory¹

C15: from clear + storey

Example Sentences

The modern exterior gives way to Midcentury-inspired living spaces, which combine stone, glass and wood under skylights and clerestory windows.

From Los Angeles Times

They play in bands and walk in the woods and pray in a graceful holy room where clerestory windows beam sunlight down onto slate floors and a compass shows the direction of Mecca.

From Los Angeles Times

To make the small space feel bigger, the architects added vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows.

From Los Angeles Times

To add light and privacy, Ramirez included raised clerestory windows and multiple skylights.

From Los Angeles Times

On one hand, residents of his Spiderhead don’t even have clerestory windows.

From Los Angeles Times