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
The wide-plank floors and exposed rafters preserve some of the 1800s charm, along with gigantic fireplaces in the living room and the kitchen. Clio Chang, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026 Depp entered The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace to wild applause and catcalls from the rafters. Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Build a new Garden, with rafters for the banners saluting New York’s past champions and heroes — and with plenty of room for new ones. Ellis T. “skip” Prince, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026 It’s filled to the rafters with paintings and sculptures by the likes of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko, all set off perfectly by that gritty industrial interior. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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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