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
Immigration has become a third rail in American politics, with lawmakers unwilling to tackle the basic problems plaguing our immigration system.
—
Gary Shapiro, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024
Yet reining them in has proved to be a political third rail.
—Gordon Adams, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010
Protecting Social Security and Medicare: Trump has pledged not to touch the third rail of politics, even floating a plan to cut Social Security taxes for seniors.
—Axios, 9 Oct. 2024
Trump stood on stage for nearly two hours, touching the third rail of Wisconsin politics by overlapping with a Green Bay Packers game, drawing derision from Democrats.
—Adriana Gomez Licon, Twin Cities, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for third rail 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gary Shapiro, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024
Yet reining them in has proved to be a political third rail.
—Gordon Adams, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010
Protecting Social Security and Medicare: Trump has pledged not to touch the third rail of politics, even floating a plan to cut Social Security taxes for seniors.
—Axios, 9 Oct. 2024
Trump stood on stage for nearly two hours, touching the third rail of Wisconsin politics by overlapping with a Green Bay Packers game, drawing derision from Democrats.
—Adriana Gomez Licon, Twin Cities, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for third rail
Articles Related to third rail
Dictionary Entries Near third rail
Cite this Entry
“Third rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20rail. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share