rafter

1 of 2

noun (1)

raf·​ter ˈraf-tər 

: any of the parallel beams that support a roof

raftered

ˈraf-tərd 

adjective

rafter

2 of 2

noun (2)

raft·​er ˈraf-tər 

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

Noun

Azaria ultimately scored a freebie to Game 4 and said the seats were good, even though he was stashed up near the rafters along with stars such as Questlove, Rainn Wilson, Ed Burns, Jeremy Strong, Aaron Judge and Christy Turlington. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026

Azaria watched the pivotal game in rafter-adjacent suites along with celebrities Rainn Wilson, Jeremy Strong, and Questlove. —Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

None of that matters, however, if Anunoby doesn’t make two absolutely incredible plays in the final 10 seconds, first by blocking a Fox breakaway layup attempt, and then by reaching into the rafters for an unbelievable, instantly iconic tip-in to provide the winning points. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 June 2026

As Pink launched herself into the rafters of Radio City Music Hall to sing a Broadway medley at the Tonys, an even gayer event was unfolding 50 blocks downtown. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 8 June 2026

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

Rhymes for rafter

• after
• drafter
• laughter
• hereafter
• thereafter
• hereinafter
• thereinafter

Kids Definition

rafter

noun

raf·​ter

ˈraf-tər

: one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof

raftered

-tərd

adjective