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

There are only two banners hanging in the T-Mobile Center rafters. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Decor, such as in Room 210, is a graceful fusion of white wood rafters, French oak, and stone flooring. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The loft ran less than half the distance of the barn, and there was barely room to stand between the rafters. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

In all, roughly 1,200 workers are still grinding away, some with power tools, others with 10-foot-long feather dusters, cleaning the rafters beneath the canopy. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 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