monorail

IPA/ˈmɒnəʊreɪl/
KK[mˈɑnɚˌel]IPA/ˈmɑːnəʊreɪl/

monorail — noun

  • monorailsingular
  • monorailsplural

1. a train that runs on a single raised track instead of two parallel rails — also

1.nounB1
Definition

a train that runs on a single raised track instead of two parallel rails — also used for the transport system that uses such trains

Example

The airport monorail took Elise from the terminal to the parking lot in three minutes.

collocation: airport monorail

Kuala Lumpur's monorail runs above the streets, giving tourists a clear view of the city.

Common collocations
  • monorail system
  • monorail station
  • monorail track
  • monorail line
  • monorail train
  • airport monorail
Synonyms
  • elevated train

    a broader term for any train running on a raised structure, which may or may not use a single rail

  • light rail

    a street-level or elevated system that usually runs on two tracks, not one

Grammar Patterns

the + monorail

a + monorail

by + monorail

Usage Note

Frequently used as a modifier before nouns: monorail system, monorail station, monorail line. To describe the mode of travel, use the phrase 'by monorail' with no article (e.g. 'We travelled by monorail from the airport').

Common Mistakes

The monorail runs on two steel tracks like a regular train.
The monorail runs on a single track, usually high above the ground.
The defining feature of a monorail is its single track, not two parallel rails.
I took the monorail underground to the next station.
I took the monorail above the city streets to the next station.
Monorails are typically built above ground level, unlike subways.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Monorail, elevated train, light rail, subway, and maglev are all types of urban rail transit, but they differ in track design and position relative to the ground. A monorail runs on a single raised track, whereas an elevated train runs on a traditional two-rail track that is raised above street level. Light rail runs on two parallel rails, often at street level alongside cars and pedestrians. A subway travels entirely underground, while a maglev train floats above the track using magnetic force, reaching much higher speeds but at far greater cost. For example, Tokyo's monorail connects the city centre to Haneda Airport on a single elevated beam, while the city's subway tunnels run deep beneath the streets.

elevated train ↗light rail ↗subway ↗maglev ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • monorail system
  • monorail station
  • monorail track
  • monorail line
  • monorail train
  • monorail network

Phrases

  • take the monorail
  • ride the monorail
  • catch the monorail
  • build a monorail
  • use the monorail

Prepositions

  • by monorail
  • on the monorail
  • from the monorail
  • off the monorail

Etymology

GreekOld FrenchEnglish

'Monorail' combines the Greek prefix 'mono-' (meaning 'one' or 'single') with the English word 'rail' (a metal bar that trains run on). The prefix 'mono-' appears in other English words such as 'monotone' (a single, unchanging tone) and 'monopoly' (control by one seller). The word 'rail' comes from Old French 'reille', meaning an iron bar. The term 'monorail' was first used around the early 1900s to describe an experimental single-track railway in Germany.