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 Words From

• raf·tered adjective
• un·raf·tered 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

Almost a year after contesting the Australian Open final, where Sabalenka beat Rybakina in a tight three-setter, the tables were turned dramatically as the 2022 Wimbledon winner broke Sabalenka three times in a one-sided first set of just 24 minutes on Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.

From Seattle Times

He could next face Rafael Nadal, who will be aiming to extend his comeback tournament from a year-long injury layoff when he meets Australian Jordan Thompson in a quarterfinal nightcap on Pat Rafter Arena.

From Seattle Times

Sabalenka was utterly dominant in the first set of her night match in front of a Pat Rafter Arena crowd that included actor Jude Law, pinning Kasatkina on the baseline with her deep, powerful ground strokes.

From Seattle Times

The two-time Australian Open champion was given a time violation for taking too long to return from the toilet between sets but that was as close to adversity as Nadal came at the Pat Rafter Arena.

From BBC

“A lot of things to improve, but a good start,” to the season, said Pliskova, who had her left wrist and hand taped for the opening match of the day on Pat Rafter Arena.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• beam