rail

rail is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɹeɪɫ/ or /ɹeɪl/
• SAMPA: /reIl/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Noun

Singular rail

Plural rails

A railing for people to hold

A train of rail cars that go along rail tracks

1. A long, thin piece of metal.
2. A long, thin thing, metal or other material, along a stairway or path for people to slide their hand along while they walk.

   She put her hand on the railing beside the stairs so she wouldn't fall.

3. A train track; things having to do with trains.

   The railway stretches across the country.