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

Their jerseys are hanging from the rafters of the stadium. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2025

But even after the security that comes with a new contract and helping the Celtics raise Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters, Pritchard stayed hungry. —Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Decibel readers in the rafters of the arena can measure the loudest seats in the building, and the Clippers reward those fans with prizes to incentivize more fervent cheering. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 17 Apr. 2025

The Turf, like the Miners an institution for generations that is now known around the world thanks to the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, was among those hostelries packed to the rafters. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 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