water rail

noun

1. an Old World rail, Rallus aquaticus, having olive-brown plumage marked with black and a long, red bill.

water rail

noun

1. a large Eurasian rail, Rallus aquaticus, of swamps, ponds, etc, having a long red bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of water rail¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Heavy rain over the weekend and Monday saw houses and businesses flooded, roads and fields submerged in water, rail services cancelled and delayed, rivers overflowing, and even a football stadium closed in London after a sinkhole formed.

From BBC

Key infrastructure systems - water, rail transport, electricity - are in dire straits.

From BBC

Having already announced plans to nationalise water, rail and now broadband, Mr McDonnell said this latest plan was "the limit of our ambitions".

From BBC

Campaigners say large companies in male-dominated industries such as water, rail and construction have become increasingly aware that asking for specific experience in that sector reduces the number of women candidates for roles.

From BBC

Mr. Trump’s plan, the officials said, would also provide $50 billion in block grants to governors to fund rural infrastructure projects, and a $20 billion increase in loans and bonds to finance transportation, water, rail and other projects.

From New York Times