derailleur
noun
de·rail·leur
di-ˈrā-lər 
: 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
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Lectric Rounding out the key specs, an 8-speed Shimano Altus derailleur provides an extra cog compared to the previous model, a suspension fork absorbs some of the bumps along the way, and 20-inch rims wear 3-inch mixed-terrain tires with custom tread and slime (for puncture resistance).
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Paul Ridden
may 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2025
Likewise, the nine-speed Shimano Deore derailleur system shifts smoothly, even when climbing steeper hills with or without electrical assistance.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The system is relatively low-tech and, without external derailleurs or wiring, not so easily damaged.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
For example, over half of all bicycle crank sets, derailleurs and brake parts came from Taiwan.
—Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derailleur
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Paul Ridden
may 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2025
Likewise, the nine-speed Shimano Deore derailleur system shifts smoothly, even when climbing steeper hills with or without electrical assistance.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The system is relatively low-tech and, without external derailleurs or wiring, not so easily damaged.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
For example, over half of all bicycle crank sets, derailleurs and brake parts came from Taiwan.
—Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derailleur
Cite this Entry
“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
derailleur
noun
de·rail·leur
di-ˈrā-lər
: 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"
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