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

In 1994, more than 35,000 Cubans emigrated to the United States via makeshift rafts in what became known as the Cuban rafter crisis. —Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2026

On February 26, 1996, Cuban MiG fighter jets shot down two Cessna aircraft operated by the Brothers to the Rescue, a Cuban exile organization that looked for Cuban rafters at sea. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026

On Thursday, though, employees hung green balloons from the rafters of Big Grove Brewery. —Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026

Disney World, Times Square and Yellowstone National Park can be packed to the rafters with tourists. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 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