skylight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1General, slightly technical/architectural.
Quick answer
What does “skylight” mean?
A window set into a roof or ceiling to allow daylight to enter a room.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A window set into a roof or ceiling to allow daylight to enter a room.
Any aperture or opening in a ceiling designed to admit light; can refer to the quality or effect of light coming from the sky in artistic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The word is identical. Building codes and typical designs may vary, but the term does not.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. Slightly more likely to evoke historic or Victorian architecture in UK context, but modern usage is widespread.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “skylight” in a Sentence
The room HAS a skylight.Sunlight STREAMS/SHINES through the skylight.They INSTALLED/PUT IN a skylight.The skylight LETS IN light.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skylight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The architect proposed to skylight the new extension to meet daylight regulations. (rare, technical)
American English
- They decided to skylight the attic conversion to brighten it up. (rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The skylight installation was handled by a specialist firm. (compound modifier)
American English
- We chose a skylight company with good reviews. (compound modifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in property descriptions, renovation services, and architectural contracts.
Academic
Used in architectural history, design studies, and environmental building science (daylighting).
Everyday
Used when discussing home improvement, describing a room, or during rain ('Is the skylight closed?').
Technical
Specific term in architecture, construction, and building physics for a fenestration element in a roof plane.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skylight”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skylight”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skylight”
- Using 'skylight' for a large vertical window (should be 'picture window').
- Pronouncing it as 'sky-light' with a clear pause (should be one word, blended).
- Confusing with 'skylight' as a brand name for other products.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sunroof is an opening panel in a car roof. 'Skylight' is not used for vehicles; it's for buildings.
Yes, many skylights are 'ventilating' or 'opening' skylights that can be hinged open for air. Fixed skylights do not open.
In everyday use, they are often synonymous. Technically, some industries distinguish 'roof windows' as larger, often accessible units installed in a pitched roof, while 'skylights' might refer to smaller units or those on flat roofs. The distinction is not strict.
They can without proper design. Modern skylights often use special glazing (low-emissivity, tinted) or built-in blinds to control solar heat gain and prevent excessive heat in summer.
A window set into a roof or ceiling to allow daylight to enter a room.
Skylight is usually general, slightly technical/architectural. in register.
Skylight: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Figurative use: 'He saw a skylight of hope in the dark situation.' (rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SKY + LIGHT = a light(source) from the sky, coming through a window in your roof.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ROOF/CEILING IS A BARRIER TO LIGHT; A SKYLIGHT IS A CONTROLLED BREACH/PORTAL IN THAT BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'skylight'?