derailleur

noun

de·​rail·​leur di-ˈrā-lər How to pronounce derailleur (audio)
: a mechanism for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another

Examples of derailleur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But after trying out ideas with simplified internal gear hubs and derailleurs, SRAM recommended the two-chain design and donated it to the bike charity. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025 Starting at the rear wheel, check the brake, tire, axle and derailleur, then move on to the saddle and seatpost, then the cranks, bottom bracket and pedals, then the cockpit and headset, and finally the front wheel and brake. Seb Stott, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025 The latter company is also responsible for the special-edition Super Record Wireless shifters, derailleurs and disc brakes, along with the Super Record crankset (with 48T and 32T chainrings), chain, and 10-29T 12-speed cassette. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024 Its 1 x 12-speed drivetrain combines a Shimano XT derailleur and shifter with an SLX chain and cassette. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derailleur 

Word History

Etymology

French dérailleur, from dérailler

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of derailleur was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near derailleur

Cite this Entry

“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

derailleur

noun
de·​rail·​leur di-ˈrā-lər How to pronounce derailleur (audio)
: a device for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another
Etymology

from French dérailleur "gear changing device," from dérailler "to derail"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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