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

Hanging baskets above seating areas, or trailing plants softening the rafters of a pergola, draw the eye up and make the patio feel cozier and more contained. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026

Smoke pours across the stage, shadows creep around every corner, characters descend from the rafters. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Every time a breeze passes through, debris drifts down from rafters and corners onto your furniture and floor. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026

Dust clings to screens, cobwebs build in rafters, pollen films over furniture and grit packs into door tracks. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 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