First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1rafter
noun raf·ter \ˈraf-tər\
Definition of RAFTER
: any of the parallel beams that support a roof
— raf·tered \-tərd\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of RAFTER
Middle English, from Old English ræfter; akin to Old Norse raptr rafter
2rafter
noun raft·er \ˈraf-tər\
Definition of RAFTER
1
: one who maneuvers logs into position and binds them into rafts
2
: one who travels by raft
Origin of RAFTER
2raft
First Known Use: 1809
RAFTER Defined for Kids
rafter
noun raf·ter \ˈraf-tər\
Definition of RAFTER for Kids
: one of the usually sloping timbers that support a roof
Learn More About RAFTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: rafter damPrevious Word in the Dictionary: raft duckAll Words Near: rafter
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up rafter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).