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.
Out back, a Shimano 7-speed Tourney derailleur common to many e-bikes handles gear-changing duties. William Roberson, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 The base option for this ebike actually tips the scales four pounds heavier though, and sports a 9-speed derailleur. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 7 Mar. 2025 View 6 Images Many ebikes sport a derailleur hanging out back to giver riders more flexibility than single-speeders. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025 Priority Bikes have a niche corner of the market with their low-maintenance internal belt drive, which replaces the chain and standard derailleur with an internal hub system. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 16 Mar. 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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