English vocabulary · B2
Raft
/ræft/ · n., v.
A raft is a flat platform that stays on water and carries people or goods. It can be made from wood, tubes, or other light parts tied together.
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Example sentences
- Kids crossed the river on a raft.
- Workers raft logs downstream each spring.
Word origin and roots
from Old Norse
- raptr — log (from Old Norse)
Synonyms and nuances
- FLOAT — an object that stays on the surface (Stays On Water)
- FERRY — a boat that carries people across (Carries Across)
- BOAT — a vessel used on water (General Watercraft)
Similar words
- float
- ferry
- boat
Lesson notes
A raft is a flat platform that stays on water and carries people or goods. It can be made from wood, tubes, or other light parts tied together.
Related: float, ferry, boat. Use raft when tied parts carry people on water.
Kids crossed the river on a raft. Workers raft logs downstream each spring.
From Old Norse. Raptr- means log. Tied logs formed a floating platform and gave English the word raft.