rail
/reɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /reɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrāl/ (ame, mw)
rail — noun
- railsingular
- railsplural
1. the trains, tracks, stations, and services that together form a method of moving
the trains, tracks, stations, and services that together form a method of moving passengers and goods over long distances
Many commuters in Tokyo prefer rail over driving to avoid traffic jams.
uncountable use: 'by rail' / 'prefer rail over driving'
Transport Minister Indra announced a €3.2 billion project to modernise the rail network across southern Ghana.
collocation: rail network
Chiara's father worked for the rail company for over thirty years.
Train fares on this rail route went up again at the start of the year.
- railway
used in British English for the same system
- railroad
the standard American English term
- train service
focuses on the operational aspect rather than the infrastructure
2. a long bar of steel laid on the ground in pairs, creating a pathway for trains t
a long bar of steel laid on the ground in pairs, creating a pathway for trains to roll along
Workers are checking the steel rails for cracks after the cold winter.
A fallen tree had landed across the rails, so all services were stopped.
The old railway line still has rusted rails buried deep under the grass.
Isabela watched sparks fly as the train wheels scraped against the steel rails.
用法筆記
Often used in the plural (rails) because trains run on a pair of bars.
常見錯誤
3. a straight bar fixed in place that people can hold for support, that prevents th
a straight bar fixed in place that people can hold for support, that prevents them from falling, or that holds towels, curtains, or clothing
Ezra gripped the hand rail tightly while climbing down the steep stairs.
collocation: hand rail
Towel rails in the bathroom keep your towels warm and dry all day.
collocation: towel rail
The wooden balcony rail stops young children from falling off the edge.
Shanti held onto the steel handrail as she walked down the icy front steps.
用法筆記
When referring to a barrier made of rails and vertical posts, the word 'railing' is often used instead. For example: 'a metal railing along the bridge'.
常見錯誤
rail — verb
- railpresent simple I / you / we / they
- rails3rd person singular
- railing-ing form
- railedpast simple
1. to express strong anger or opposition toward something, especially a policy, law
to express strong anger or opposition toward something, especially a policy, law, or situation
Passengers railed against the airline for cancelling their flight without notice.
pattern: rail against [institution/group]
Local residents railed at the council for closing down the only playground.
pattern: rail at [authority figure/body]
The senator railed publicly about the rising cost of healthcare for families.
Mira railed against the new tax rules, calling them unfair to small shops.
文法句型
rail + against/at + noun
rail + about + noun
用法筆記
This verb is always intransitive — it needs a preposition (against, at, or about) before its object. Unlike 'criticize', you cannot say 'rail something' directly. The tone is more forceful and emotional than 'complain'.