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
“Your Schubert crowd isn’t necessarily your Kurtág crew, and yet the 280-year-old Holywell Music Room was packed to the rafters.” “A crowd was packed to the rafters in an old dancehall 70 miles west of Austin, in Luckenbach, Texas.” Word family
NOUN
Idioms
01. rafter snapper
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/rafter