rafter

1 of 2

noun (1)

raf·​ter ˈraf-tər How to pronounce rafter (audio)
: any of the parallel beams that support a roof
raftered adjective

rafter

2 of 2

noun (2)

raft·​er ˈraf-tər How to pronounce rafter (audio)
1
: one who maneuvers logs into position and binds them into rafts
2
: one who travels by raft

Examples of rafter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In summer, the rivers are popular with rafters and and nature lovers. Eldar Emric, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 The two-time All-America guard, who led DePaul to three NCAA Tournament appearances from 1986-88, joined Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, Dave Corzine and George Mikan as men’s players with jerseys in the rafters of Wintrust Arena. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 Katie Meier, the beloved retired University of Miami women’s basketball coach, was honored on Thursday night with a banner raised to the Watsco Center rafters. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 That was also the day Darnell Valentine’s jersey was hung in the rafters. Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rafter

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ræfter; akin to Old Norse raptr rafter

Noun (2)

raft entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rafter was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rafter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rafter. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

rafter

noun
raf·​ter
ˈraf-tər
: one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof
raftered
-tərd
adjective

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