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

It can be anchored to any door, rafter, or beam in seconds and safely supports up to 700 pounds. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026

The Golden 1 Center rafters include the 2005 Monarchs championship banner. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026

People who like luscious heritage hotels packed to the rafters with stories. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026

Expectations hang from the rafters at Rupp Arena, which also echoed with disappointment too many times this season. —Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 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