skylight

American  

[skahy-lahyt] / ˈskaɪˌlaɪt /

noun

1. an opening in a roof or ceiling, fitted with glass, for admitting daylight.

2. the frame set with glass fitted to such an opening.

3. Meteorology. the diffuse light lights from the sky, scattered by air molecules, as distinguished from the direct radiation from the sun.

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skylight British  

/ ˈskaɪˌlaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: fanlight.  a window placed in a roof or ceiling to admit daylight

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Etymology

Origin of skylight

First recorded in 1670–80; sky + light ¹

Example Sentences

The blunt imposing tower, in the rear, is in fact a chapel, a soaring whitewashed space illuminated by its own skylight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

The skylight was usually secured by an alarm but that had been deactivated while the roof was being mended.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

Thanks to the high ceilings and a new skylight, the attic now floods the center of the living room below with natural light.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

You capture the birds hovering, in flight, trapped in a skylight or doing physical therapy.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2025

Clint’s eyes flicker as sunlight from the skylight hits his hair just then—it looks almost golden for a second.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper