Raft: meaning, definitions and examples

A simple flat structure for floating on water, often made from wood or inflatable materials; typically used for recreation or emergency situations.

• We used a raft to go down the river
• The survivors built a raft to escape the island

Refers to any object that stays on the surface of water, but can also be used metaphorically to describe maintaining a position or staying suspended. Commonly used for small recreational or decorative objects.

• The children enjoyed watching their toy boats float in the pond
• Dinner rolls float nicely in a hearty soup

A large, flat-bottomed boat used for carrying heavy goods on rivers and canals; not typically used for recreation but rather for industrial purposes.

• The barge transported coal down the river
• The workers loaded the cargo onto the barge

A flat-bottomed structure that is used to support a bridge or as a floating platform; commonly used for docks and small boats.

• The pontoon bridge allowed vehicles to cross the river
• We sat on the pontoon and fished all afternoon

A flat structure used to float or travel on water; can also be used metaphorically to describe a large number of something.

• We used a raft to cross the river
• The new app introduced a raft of new features

A raised level surface; it is also extensively used in technology to describe a base of software or hardware on which other applications run.

• She stood on a platform to address the crowd
• Facebook has become a major social media platform for communication

Anything that is made with a specific shape; used metaphorically to describe organized systems or arrangements.

• The Eiffel Tower is an iconic structure in Paris
• The team worked hard to create a clear structure for the presentation

A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text; commonly used in software development to describe the foundational structure upon which applications are built.

• The legal framework for this new policy is still under discussion
• Developers often use frameworks like Django or Rails to build web applications efficiently

Use when referring to navigating a river or lake on a flat vessel, often in an adventurous or recreational setting. It typically involves some form of manual paddling and is usually associated with outdoor activities.

• We decided to raft down the Colorado River for our summer trip.
• The group built a makeshift raft to travel down the gentle stream.

Ideal for situations where buoyancy is the focus, such as gently being carried by water. It implies a light and easy movement on water without much control or direction.

• Leaves float on the surface of the pond.
• We like to float in the lake on hot summer days.

Appropriate when talking about traveling on water using a boat that is primarily powered by sails. It often involves wind and navigation skills, and can be recreational or part of a sport.

• They learned to sail in the harbor every weekend.
• The ancient mariners sailed across the ocean to discover new lands.

Best suited for describing a journey on a large ship for pleasure, relaxation, or luxury travel. It's associated with leisure activities, entertainment, and comfort.

• They took a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon.
• We went on a week-long Caribbean cruise and enjoyed on-board shows and fine dining.