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

Then, the cameras turn to Bird in the rafters swaying side to side with red, furry mascot. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

And although there won’t be a banner raised in the Spectrum Center rafters on opening night, celebrating the title to go along with their championship ring hardware, there’s no denying what that summer league run means to everyone within the organization. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025

This is because the horizontal timber ties together the two rafters into one structural element. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025

There’s nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. —Tim Reynolds, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 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