derailleur

[ dih-rey-ler ]

noun

1. a gear-shifting mechanism on a bicycle that shifts the drive chain from one sprocket wheel to another.

derailleur

/ dəˈreɪljə /

noun

1. a mechanism for changing gear on bicycles, consisting of a device that lifts the driving chain from one sprocket wheel to another of different size

Word History and Origins

Origin of derailleur¹

1945–50; < French dérailleur literally, a device causing disengagement or derailing, equivalent to déraill ( er ) to derail + -eur -eur

Word History and Origins

Origin of derailleur¹

French dérailleur derailer

Example Sentences

A single derailleur cable found snapped in two during a bike ride I took in Italy morphed into something more sinister.

From Washington Post

The ’70s also saw an explosion in bike sales, both as a result of high gas prices and the introduction of the 10-speed derailleur.

From The Verge

Using the updated Google Lens to identify a bike’s derailleur.

From The Verge

These designs often require absurdly long chains slung between the pedals and rear derailleur.

From The Verge

Grid View The Gates carbon belt drive, which is quickly becoming a popular choice among bike manufacturers, is a cleaner alternative to the derailleur and chain ring and requires less maintenance.

From The Verge