How Do You Spell RAIL?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "rail" is spelled with four letters: R-A-I-L. It is pronounced /reɪl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "R" is a voiced alveolar consonant while "A" is pronounced as the diphthong /eɪ/. The "I" is a short vowel, pronounced as /ɪ/. Finally, the "L" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar lateral approximant. Overall, the spelling of "rail" follows typical English phonetics and can be easily pronounced with some practice.

RAIL Meaning and Definition

  1. Rail, noun:

    1. A horizontal bar or support, typically made of metal or wood, that provides a guiding track or framework for movement or transportation. Rails are commonly used in various contexts, such as in railways, roads, fences, and stairs, to ensure stability and facilitate motion along a specific path.

    2. Referring to a steel track used for trains, trams, or trolleys, typically consisting of two parallel lines joined by crossbars, on which the vehicles run. Rails are vital components of the transportation infrastructure, enabling the smooth, efficient, and safe movement of passengers and goods over long distances.

    3. A barrier or protective structure made of metal or wood that is installed alongside high places, platforms, or decks to prevent falls or accidents. Rails are commonly seen in balconies, elevated walkways, bridges, and ships, providing security and ensuring the safety of individuals.

    4. In a game like billiards or snooker, a long, narrow piece of fabric-covered wood or plastic that is used as a border or perimeter to prevent the balls from falling off the playing surface.

    5. To travel or journey by train. The act of moving by train.

    6. To complain or express discontent strongly. A slang expression commonly used in British English, particularly in the phrase "to come off the rails," which means to lose control or behave recklessly.

  2. • A wading-bird.
    • A bar or strip of wood, metal, &c., extending from one upright post or support to others; in arch., the horizontal bar in any piece of framing; one of the iron bars on which a railway-carriage runs; the railway itself.
    • To enclose with rails or railing.
    • A bird having peculiar harsh notes; a name applied to the corncrake or land-rail, and the water-rail.
    • A woman's upper garment, as night-rail.
    • To use opprobrious words; to utter reproachful language; to scoff.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for RAIL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for RAIL

Etymology of RAIL

The word "rail" originates from the Middle English term "raile" or "ragille", which was borrowed from the Old French word "reille". It can be traced back to the Latin word "regula", meaning "straight stick" or "rule". The word "rail" likely came into use to describe horizontal bars made of wood or metal that were used as a support or a barrier, particularly in the context of fencing or construction. Over time, the term expanded to encompass various other meanings, such as the track on which trains run, the horizontal bars inside a birdcage, or even a complaint or protest ("to rail against").

Idioms with the word RAIL

  • rail against The idiom "rail against" means to strongly criticize or express anger about something, typically in a forceful or vehement manner. It implies vehemently opposing or protesting against a person, group, idea, or situation.
  • third rail The idiom "third rail" typically refers to a topic or issue that is extremely sensitive, controversial, and potentially dangerous to discuss or debate. It originates from the electric power systems used in some railways, where the third rail carries a high-voltage current that poses a severe risk of electrocution to anyone who comes into contact with it. In a metaphorical sense, the idiom alludes to a subject that, if approached, can result in negative consequences or backlash.
  • run sb out of town (on a rail) The idiom "run sb out of town (on a rail)" means to forcibly expel or drive someone away from a place, usually due to their unacceptable behavior or actions. It implies a strong collective action by the community or locals who are so outraged by the person's actions that they unanimously and aggressively insist on their departure. The phrase often connotes extreme public disapproval or the desire for public humiliation. The phrase "on a rail" refers to the historical practice in which an individual deemed unworthy or disgraceful would be physically carried out of town on a rail as a form of punishment or public shaming.
  • rail at sm (about sth) The idiom "rail at someone (about something)" means to express strong, angry, or vehement criticism or complaints towards someone regarding a particular issue or situation. It often involves using harsh or forceful language to express one's dissatisfaction or disapproval.
  • be (as) thin as a rail The idiom "be (as) thin as a rail" means to be extremely thin or skinny. It is used to describe someone who lacks a healthy amount of body weight or appears emaciated.
  • rail against sm or sth The idiom "rail against someone or something" means expressing strong opposition, anger, or criticism towards someone or something. It refers to passionately and forcefully denouncing or complaining about a person, situation, or idea.
  • (as) thin as a rail The idiom "(as) thin as a rail" means extremely thin or skinny. It is used to describe a person or object that lacks substance or has an exceptionally slender physique.

Similar spelling words for RAIL

Conjugate verb Rail

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have railed
you would have railed
he/she/it would have railed
we would have railed
they would have railed
I would have rail
you would have rail
he/she/it would have rail
we would have rail
they would have rail

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been railing
you would have been railing
he/she/it would have been railing
we would have been railing
they would have been railing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would rail
you would rail
he/she/it would rail
we would rail
they would rail

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be railing
you would be railing
he/she/it would be railing
we would be railing
they would be railing

FUTURE

I will rail
you will rail
he/she/it will rail
we will rail
they will rail

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be railing
you will be railing
he/she/it will be railing
we will be railing
they will be railing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have railed
you will have railed
he/she/it will have railed
we will have railed
they will have railed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been railing
you will have been railing
he/she/it will have been railing
we will have been railing
they will have been railing

IMPERATIVE

you rail
we let´s rail

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to rail

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was railing
you were railing
he/she/it was railing
we were railing
they were railing

PAST PARTICIPLE

railed

PAST PERFECT

I had railed
you had railed
he/she/it had railed
we had railed
they had railed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been railing
you had been railing
he/she/it had been railing
we had been railing
they had been railing

PRESENT

I rail
you rail
he/she/it rails
we rail
they rail

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am railing
you are railing
he/she/it is railing
we are railing
they are railing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

railing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have railed
you have railed
he/she/it has railed
we have railed
they have railed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been railing
you have been railing
he/she/it has been railing
we have been railing
they have been railing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it rail

SIMPLE PAST

I railed
you railed
he/she/it railed
we railed
they railed

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