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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
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
Articles Related to derailleur
Cite this Entry
“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 17 Mar. 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"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share