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
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
This also meant upgrading the shifter and rear derailleur and lengthening the chain.
—Emily Lapointe, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025
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
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Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025
This also meant upgrading the shifter and rear derailleur and lengthening the chain.
—Emily Lapointe, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for derailleur
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Cite this Entry
“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 3 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"
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