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

Then came chain drives that let you use equal-sized wheels, and freewheels that allowed you to coast, and derailleurs that allowed you to change gears.

From Outside Online

Good to know As part of your beginner triathlon training, consider it mandatory to master basic bike maintenance skills such as changing a flat tire and minor derailleur adjustments.

From Outside Online

In our example, the bike manufacturer might have a step-by-step troubleshooting video or a content creator who’s passionate about cycling might have a “how to” for a broken derailleur.

From Digiday

Google will be able to identify the problem — in this case with the rear derailleur — and connect riders to helpful information across the web to fix it, like a YouTube video.

From Digiday

Shift the derailleur back to the smallest cog or chainring, loosen the cable bolt, and take up any slack before tightening it again.

From Outside Online