rail

[reɪl]

rail Definition

  • 1a bar of metal or wood that is used to form part of a railway track
  • 2a steel or aluminum structure that is used as a support for stairs, balconies, and decks
  • 3a series of horizontal bars attached to vertical posts, used as a barrier or fence

Using rail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The train ran off the rails.

  • Example

    The balcony is supported by metal rails.

  • Example

    The garden is surrounded by a wooden rail fence.

rail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rail

Phrases with rail

  • out of control or not going as planned

    Example

    The project went off the rails when the team leader resigned.

  • to travel by train illegally or as a homeless person

    Example

    During the Great Depression, many people had to ride the rails in search of work.

  • to begin a journey by train

    Example

    We hit the rails early in the morning to get to our destination on time.

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Summary: rail in Brief

The term 'rail' [reɪl] refers to a metal or wooden bar used in railway tracks, a structure used as a support for stairs, balconies, and decks, and a series of horizontal bars used as a barrier or fence. It also has idiomatic uses like 'off the rails,' meaning out of control, and 'ride the rails,' meaning to travel by train illegally or as a homeless person.

How do native speakers use this expression?