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
Three of every 10 Chicago schools sit at least half-empty, and closing or merging them remains a political third rail.
—
Mila Koumpilova, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
The conflict in Gaza is an obvious third rail in Hollywood right now.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Avon is rebooting its third rail—expanding into e-commerce, retail, digital and other platforms, to form a new crucial pillar of its global omnichannel strategy.
—Dean Debiase, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
The third rail line project was completed on July 15, with the new track able to be used by Union Pacific and Metra trains, a Union Pacific spokesperson told The Beacon-News on Friday.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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Mila Koumpilova, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
The conflict in Gaza is an obvious third rail in Hollywood right now.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Avon is rebooting its third rail—expanding into e-commerce, retail, digital and other platforms, to form a new crucial pillar of its global omnichannel strategy.
—Dean Debiase, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
The third rail line project was completed on July 15, with the new track able to be used by Union Pacific and Metra trains, a Union Pacific spokesperson told The Beacon-News on Friday.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 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 29 Sep. 2025.
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