water rail

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noun

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

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Origin of water rail

First recorded in 1645–55

Words nearby water rail

water power, water pox, waterproof, waterproofing, water purslane, water rail, water rat, water rate, water-repellent, water-resistant, water rice

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use water rail in a sentence

Couch gives some facts of interest relating to the mode of escape practised by the water-rail, swan, and some other aquatic birds.
Animal Intelligence|George J. Romanes
It is astonishing what a small bit of marsh or bog will content a Water Rail, provided there is a sufficiency of cover.
Among the Birds in Northern Shires|Charles Dixon
I once turned out a dozen water-hens, a brown owl, a woodcock, and a water-rail from one little withe patch.
The Naturalist on the Thames|C. J. Cornish
The water-rail, and corncrake or land-rail, are also allied to the Gallinules.
Bible Animals;|J. G. Wood

A cause of deep regret, indeed,Had the door opened at the knocking of the water-rail!
Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan|Various

British Dictionary definitions for water rail

water rail

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012