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DictionaryrafterRoof support
noun

rafter

RAF-ter/ˈræftər/

A sloping beam that supports a roof.

Each rafter slopes from the roof's peak to an outside wall.

A house roof under construction clearly shows sloping wooden rafters meeting at the ridge.
Etymology
rafterOld Englishbeam, pole

Old English ræfter denoted a beam or pole in a building. The modern sense keeps that structural role, referring specifically to a sloping timber that supports a roof.

In context

Natural Buildings7:14
weight of the roof until the final rafter is installed we work our way around attaching the rafters with threaded rods and bolts and once we get to the final rafter we lift slightly on the rest of the rafters
Cob House Build START to FINISH in 10 Minutes

More examples

  • The carpenter replaces a cracked rafter before repairing the roof.
  • We install insulation between the rafters in the attic.
  • Exposed wooden rafters give the cabin a rustic look.

Forms

rafter · rafters

Similar words

beam
A general structural support, not necessarily sloping or supporting a roof.
timber
A large structural piece of wood, not necessarily a roof support.