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
In the summer of 2023, after his death, Verlaine’s book collection went on sale — two Brooklyn garages packed to the rafters with books on art, physics, UFOs, theosophy, anything. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 He’ll be joined by Dell Curry, who’s probably still beaming from having his jersey retired in the Spectrum Center rafters in April. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 People live with a shortage of drinking water supplies, irrigation becomes trickier for ranchers, rivers dry up for rafters and fishermen, fish and wildlife struggle, and manufacturers must cope with less water. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026 The building is filled with banners similar to those that hang from the Madison Square Garden rafters for retired numbers, including one for each player on the current roster. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 June 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 25 Jun. 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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