rail
word
/ˈɹeɪɫ/
rayl
/ɹˈeɪl/
rayl
Definition
A long bar, usually metal or wood, used as a barrier or support (like on a staircase or balcony), or as the track a train runs on.
Usage & Nuances
'Rail' can mean a physical bar (like a handrail) or a train track. Not to be confused with 'rail against' (complain angrily). Common uses: 'train rail', 'handrail', 'safety rail'. Singular 'rail' is usually a single bar, plural 'rails' for multiple or railway tracks.
Spanish: raíl - barandillaPortuguese (BR): trilho - corrimão - guarda-corpoPortuguese (PT): carril - corrimãoChinese (Simplified): 铁轨 - 扶手Chinese (Traditional): 鐵軌 - 扶手Hindi: रेल - रेलिंगArabic: سِكّة حديدية - درابزينBengali: রেল - হাতল - বেষ্টনীRussian: рельс - перила - порученьJapanese: レール - 手すりVietnamese: thanh ray - lan can - tay vịnKorean: 레일 - 난간 - 손잡이Turkish: ray - trabzanUrdu: ریل - رکاوٹ (ہاتھ رکھنے والی)Indonesian: rel - pegangan - pagar
Example Sentences
She held onto the rail as she climbed the stairs.
basic
The train runs on a rail.
basic
Make sure the hand rail is secure before using the stairs.
natural
He lost his balance and grabbed the rail just in time.
natural
Don’t lean over the balcony rail.
basic
The kids love watching the trains pass by on the rails near our house.
natural