rafter

¹

[raf-ter, rahf-]

noun

1. any of a series of timbers or the like, usually having a pronounced slope, for supporting the sheathing and covering of a roof.

verb (used with object)

1. British Dialect.,  to plow (a field) so that the soil of a furrow is pushed over onto an unplowed adjacent strip.

rafter

²

[raf-ter, rahf-]

noun

1. a person who engages in the sport or pastime of rafting.

2. a person who travels on a raft, especially to flee a country.

rafter

³

[raf-ter, rahf-]

noun

1. a flock, especially of turkeys.

rafter

/ ˈrɑːftə /

noun

1. any one of a set of sloping beams that form the framework of a roof

Other Word Forms

• raftered adjective
• unraftered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rafter¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rafter, raftre, ræfter “beam, pole, rafter,” Old English ræfter; cognate with Middle Dutch rachter, rafter “plank, beam,” Middle Low German rafter, rachter, Old Norse raptr “log” (in plural, “rafters”); See raft ¹

Origin of rafter²

First recorded in 1740–45; raft ¹ ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Origin of rafter³

raft ² + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of rafter¹

Old English ræfter ; related to Old Saxon rehter , Old Norse raptr , Old High German rāvo ; see _raft ¹

Example Sentences

He, his parents and his five brothers and sisters slept in hammocks crisscrossed from the rafters.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Dorn said that before leaving their home, he had moved his electronics up to their loft, hoping that even if seawater penetrates the building it would not reach the rafters.

From BBC

He said campers waited on rafters before swimming to safety.

From Salon

About a month ago, rafters and kayakers were jetting through popular rapids here with names including Black Bottom Falls, Squashed Paddler and Fender Bender.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Parker received a thunderous ovation as her No. 3 jersey was revealed in the rafters, she addressed the fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beam