Raft (noun)

A flat structure made of planks or barrels fastened together, used as a boat or floating platform.

Origin:

Middle english: from old norse raptr "a floating bridge," of germanic origin; related to dutch rafel "rag".

Examples:

1. The raft was used to transport goods down the river.
2. The survivors built a raft to escape the sinking ship.
3. The children went for a swim on the raft in the lake.
4. The scientist used a raft to study the plants and animals in the pond.
5. The tourists went on a rafting adventure down the rapids.