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
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
Use an old sponge and toothbrush on the chain, chain rings and derailleurs.
—George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Paddy: don't know how this cassette works, or this derailleur works,
Scott: What is rebound exactly?
—Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derailleur
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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
Use an old sponge and toothbrush on the chain, chain rings and derailleurs.
—George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Paddy: don't know how this cassette works, or this derailleur works,
Scott: What is rebound exactly?
—Outside Online, 19 Mar. 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 25 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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