English Reference

Word

rafter

US/ˈɹæftɝ/

UK/ɹˈɑːftɐ/

Definition

n. one of the large, slanted pieces of wood or metal that support the roof of a building.

n. a structural beam that extends from the ridge of a roof to the eaves, providing the primary support for the roof covering.

Examples

“The old barn had exposed wooden rafters.”

“During the renovation, the architect decided to leave the original oak rafters exposed to give the room a rustic feel.”

“The structural integrity of the cathedral's ceiling depends on a complex network of interlocking rafters designed to distribute the weight of the heavy slate tiles.”

Examples

simple

“The old barn had exposed wooden rafters.”

contextual

“During the renovation, the architect decided to leave the original oak rafters exposed to give the room a rustic feel.”

complex

“The structural integrity of the cathedral's ceiling depends on a complex network of interlocking rafters designed to distribute the weight of the heavy slate tiles.”

Real-World Examples

“A crowd was packed to the rafters in an old dancehall 70 miles west of Austin, in Luckenbach, Texas.”
The Guardian · 29 Sept 2026

Word family

raftNounrafterNoun

Idioms

rafter snapper — A very cold night.

Domains

AgricultureArchitecture

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/rafter

English Reference