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
While the Devils continue to push towards the playoffs, Nemec understands that his time in the AHL is better suited for his development as opposed to watching the Devils play from the rafters each night. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 She was particularly taken by the stables’ central rotunda, whose intricate radial rafters quietly took your breath away. Sam Lubell, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The rafters are 19th century mine timbers, the atmosphere is old-time ski club (authentic, not contrived), and the walls are covered in local ski lore. Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Orlando Kansas Jayhawks senior big man Hunter Dickinson noticed something odd floating down from the rafters of Addition Financial Arena, home of the UCF Knights, during KU’s basketball shootaround on Saturday night. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near rafter

Cite this Entry

“Rafter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rafter. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

rafter

noun
raf·​ter
ˈraf-tər
: one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof
raftered
-tərd
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on rafter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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