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
ˈraf-tərd How to pronounce rafter (audio)
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
The boy was found by a neighbor hanging by the neck from a rafter in the basement, FOX 32 reported. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Then there were the churches, none greater than Pyongyang’s Central Presbyterian Church, which was packed to the rafters each week—even for Wednesday evening prayer meetings, which could draw standing-room crowds of 1,400 people. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 River rafters held in place as the park closed travel downstream of Phantom Ranch. — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Packed to the rafters with fashionable Western clothing and accessories, Maverick Fine Western Wear is a must-stop shop in the heart of the Stockyards. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for rafter

See All Rhymes for rafter

Browse Nearby Words

raft duck
rafter
rafter dam
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Cite this Entry

“Rafter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rafter. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rafter

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