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

The boos started cascading from the rafters of Citizens Bank Park in the seventh inning of Game 2 Monday night when the Dodgers scored four times to break a deadlock and take a 4-0 lead. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Koivu, the only player in franchise history to have his number raised to the Grand Casino Arena rafters, is the Wild's all-time leader in games played (1,028), assists (504), points (709), power-play points (251), shots (2,270), faceoff wins (10,354) and shootout goals (42). —Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad brought the Stanley Cup to the ice and the team watched from the ice as the banner slowly made its way to the rafters. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

The Coast Guard pulled the rafters aboard — they were saved, and presumed their rescuers would swiftly deliver them to Florida. —Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025

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