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 one of the most elaborate stunts of the night, the singers go airborne in individual light-up boxes that are hoisted up into the rafters to sing directly to those sitting in the upper balcony levels. —Sonal Dutt, People.com, 4 July 2025

Could Sweeney have gotten more for a guy whose No. 63 will one day be in the rafters? —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 June 2025

At this witchy, emerald-hued bar (more vibey than spooky), rafters are decked out in Spanish moss as a cloud of palo santo smoke rises from the corner table where a tarot reader offers counsel. —Elazar Sontag, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025

Williams said Vaughn, who had his jersey No. 11 hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 21, 2002, is excited about his new job. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 May 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