Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large number or amount: A 'raft' can refer to a large quantity of something, often used informally.
   • A flat floating structure: A 'raft' is a simple, flat platform, often made of logs, planks, or inflatable materials, used for transport on water or as a platform for activities.

2. Verb:

   • To make into a raft: The action of constructing or assembling materials to form a raft.
   • To travel or transport by raft: The act of moving across water using a raft or of carrying goods on one.

Usage Examples

• Noun (large amount):

  • The report contained a raft of new proposals.
  • He has a raft of excuses for being late.

• Noun (floating structure):

  • They built a raft to cross the lake.
  • The swimmers rested on the raft in the middle of the pool.

• Verb (to make into a raft):

  • We need to raft these logs together to cross the river.

• Verb (to travel/transport by raft):

  • They plan to raft down the river this weekend.
  • The company used to raft timber downstream to the mill.

Advanced Usage

• "A whole raft of": An emphatic phrase meaning a very large number or variety.
  • The new policy brought a whole raft of changes.

Variants and Related Words

• Rafting (n): The recreational activity of traveling on a river in an inflatable raft.
  • White-water rafting is a popular adventure sport.

Synonyms

• Noun (large amount): multitude, slew, plethora, abundance.
• Noun (floating structure): float, pontoon, platform.
• Verb: transport, convey, float.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Raft up: To tie rafts or boats together side-by-side.
  • The boats rafted up in the cove for the party.

Noun

1. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
   • a batch of letters
   • a deal of trouble
   • a lot of money
   • he made a mint on the stock market
   • see the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos
   • it must have cost plenty
   • a slew of journalists
   • a wad of money
2. a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers

Verb

1. make into a raft
   • raft these logs
2. travel by raft in water
   • Raft the Colorado River
3. transport on a raft
   • raft wood down a river