English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word rail in English

What does rail mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

rail

US /reɪl/
UK /reɪl/
"rail" picture

Noun

1.

a bar or series of bars, typically fixed on upright supports, serving as a barrier or to support something

Example:
•
She held onto the stair rail as she went down.
•
The curtains hung from a metal rail.
Synonym:
barrodpolebeambarrier
2.

a steel bar or continuous line of bars laid on the ground as one of a pair forming a railway track

Example:
•
The train ran smoothly along the rails.
•
They laid new rails for the high-speed line.
Synonym:
tracklinerailway line
3.

a railway or system of railways

Example:
•
Travel by rail is often more scenic.
•
The city has an extensive public rail network.
Synonym:
railwaytrainsubwaymetro

Verb

1.

to provide with a rail or rails

Example:
•
They decided to rail off the dangerous section of the cliff.
•
The platform was railed for safety.
Synonym:
fencebarricadeencloseguardrail
2.

to send by rail transport

Example:
•
The goods were railed across the country.
•
We can rail the equipment directly to the construction site.
Synonym:
transport by railship by railsend by train
3.

to complain or protest strongly and bitterly

Example:
•
He continued to rail against the injustice of the system.
•
She railed at the government's decision.
Synonym:
protestcomplaindenouncecondemncensure
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Related Word:
railingguard railpicture raillight railthird rail