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
EMUs are faster and can often carry more people, but require overhead catenary lines or a third rail, while the battery electric locomotives can be used on non-electrified track by charging their batteries, reducing the infrastructure investment.
—
State House News Service, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
In early February, a Chow Chow named Meatball broke free from his owner at Bowling Green, fell onto the subway tracks, hit the third rail, and died.
—Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Someone needs to touch the third rail.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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State House News Service, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
In early February, a Chow Chow named Meatball broke free from his owner at Bowling Green, fell onto the subway tracks, hit the third rail, and died.
—Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Someone needs to touch the third rail.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
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 10 May. 2026.
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