raft

¹raft

noun \ˈraft\

Definition of RAFT

1

a : a collection of logs or timber fastened together for conveyance by water

b : a flat structure for support or transportation on water

2

: a floating cohesive mass

3

: an aggregation of animals (as waterfowl) resting on the water

Origin of RAFT

Middle English rafte rafter, raft, from Old Norse raptr rafter

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with RAFT

aft, craft, draft, graft, haft, kraft, shaft, waft

²raft

verb

Definition of RAFT

transitive verb

1

: to transport in the form of or by means of a raft; also : to convey (as pebbles) in floating ice or masses of organic material

2

: to make into a raft

intransitive verb

: to travel by raft

First Known Use of RAFT

1706

³raft

noun

Definition of RAFT

: a large collection or number

Origin of RAFT

alteration of raff jumble

First Known Use: 1830