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

Breakfast patios overlook rafters drifting by; anglers cast from stone embankments; kayakers practice freestyle moves at the whitewater park in the middle of it all. —Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026

Spring snowmelt turns the river into a magnet for experienced whitewater rafters, while calmer sections invite riverside exploration. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026

So, maybe a head of steam going into the playoffs would suit the Wild better than a new division title banner in the rafters. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026

Bernard was in the rafters, hoisting up a painting that nobody liked. —Mary Norris, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 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