water rail

American  

noun

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

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water rail British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of water rail

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2023

Because of cheaper insurance, lighter crating, fewer warehouse charges and, most important, jet-quick delivery, air freight is often less costly than water, rail or road transport-even though air rates are considerably higher.

From Time Magazine Archive

In all, the East Germans will collect some $20 million per year in fees on the 13 water, rail and highway routes that connect the city with West Germany.

From Time Magazine Archive

"P.S.—I have settled with Palmer and Hoskins for the trellis and hot water rail."

From Mr. Waddington of Wyck by Sinclair, May