rafting

American  

[raf-ting, rahf-] / ˈræf tɪŋ, ˈrɑf- /

noun

1. the sport of traveling on rivers and streams by raft.

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Etymology

Origin of rafting

First recorded in 1690–1700; raft ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Marczak said he had begun the film almost by accident, when he and his wife were rafting down the river thinking about a fiction project when they ran into trouble.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Instead of all-you-can-drink wristbands, they offer adrenaline-stoking activities like fly fishing, canyoneering, snorkeling and rafting in between multicourse meals and happy hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Both the Guisane and Durance are popular rivers for white water rafting, fed by glaciers and snowmelt in the spring.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

Boaters say if water diversions were significantly reduced, there could be whitewater rafting on this part of the river for up to two months longer each year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2025

When I was finally allowed to read it, I very well knew this was no simple tale of rafting down a river but the everlasting story of America itself, with all our glory and shame.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam