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 This bike comes with seven gears (the shifter and derailleur are from reputable brand Shimano) and has a grippy set of tires that are intended for on- and off-roading. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 24 Aug. 2023 Use an old sponge and toothbrush on the chain, chainrings and derailleurs. George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2023 This could be as simple as a ten-second cable tension tweak, or as intricate as patiently straightening an expensive and hard-to-come-by derailleur hanger. Mike Levy, Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2023 The derailleurs should move the chain easily between sprockets. George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2023 Fraying brake or derailleur cables. George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2023 Consider the maintenance required The characteristics of bike components like the chain, brakes, derailleurs, and gears will impact the level and type of maintenance required. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2023 The same technique works for the front derailleur, which also has a barrel adjuster. Berne Broudy, Outside Online, 18 June 2013 Yet As gravel tires grow wider, the amount of space between the front derailleur and rear tire has shrunk. Josh Patterson, Outside Online, 18 May 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derailleur.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 24 Sep. 2023.

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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