third rail
noun
1
: a metal rail through which electric current is led to the motors of an electric vehicle (such as a subway car)
2
: a controversial issue usually avoided by politicians
Examples of third rail in a Sentence
Social Security is the third rail of American politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Police said the victim narrowly avoided coming into contact with the electrified third rail powering trains.
—
Todd Feurer, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2025
Three, the third rail of immigration keeps closing in.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
As reflected in tonight’s results, Israel is no longer the third rail in American politics—at least in the New York City area.
—Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s three third rails in American politics in a row.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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Todd Feurer, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2025
Three, the third rail of immigration keeps closing in.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
As reflected in tonight’s results, Israel is no longer the third rail in American politics—at least in the New York City area.
—Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s three third rails in American politics in a row.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
Cite this Entry
“Third rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20rail. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
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