How to pronounce rafter
Say it like RAF-ter. Rafter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rafter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAF
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rafter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of rafter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: RAHF-tuh.
What does rafter mean?
- One of a series of sloped beams that extend from the ridge or hip to the downslope perimeter or eave, designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads.
- A flock of turkeys.
- A raftsman.
- To make (timber, etc.) into rafters.
- To furnish (a building) with rafters.
- To plow so as to turn the grass side of each furrow upon an unploughed ridge; to ridge.
Where does rafter come from?
From Old English ræfter, of Germanic origin, related to the origin of raft.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rafter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rafter.
Questions about saying rafter
How do you pronounce rafter?
Say RAF-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈræftɚ/. In British English it is /ˈrɑːftə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rafter?
Rafter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAF). Broken into parts: RAF · ter.
Is rafter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈrɑːftə/ (RAHF-tuh).