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

There's also a third rail that's used to attach the camera to the handle and can be used to mount the camera and interface device on a rifle, crossbow, compound bow, or anything with a compatible rail. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025

As previously reported by The News, more than 3,000 riders were stranded in December when the State St. power transformer exploded under Downtown Brooklyn, cutting power to the third rail of the F and the G lines. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025

In political discourse, DEI became the ultimate third rail. —Sheilla Mamona, refinery29.com, 18 Feb. 2025

For decades, transfer remained the third rail of Israeli politics - so extreme, so indefensible, that it could not be spoken of in polite company. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for third rail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email