derby

noun

der·by | \ ˈdər-bē

How to pronounce derby (audio)

, especially British ˈdä- \

plural derbies

Definition of derby

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of several horse races held annually and usually restricted to three-year-olds

2 : a race or contest open to all comers or to a specified category of contestants bicycle derby

3 British : a game between local sports teams … even when both clubs were going through trophy droughts, the derby was still treated like a European Cup final by the fans. — Manchester Evening News

4 : a man's stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim

Derby

geographical name

Der·by | \ ˈdär-bē

How to pronounce Derby (audio)

, chiefly U.S. ˈdər- \

Definition of Derby (Entry 2 of 2)

city on the Derwent River in Derbyshire, north central England population 252,000

Examples of derby in a Sentence

Noun a derby between Manchester United and Manchester City

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Freshmen, as was tradition, were gently hazed by upper classmen, including having to wear a derby hat around campus. — Freep.com, "Support quality local journalism like this by becoming a subscriber.," 12 Feb. 2021 After losing to Arsenal in the derby at the weekend – and playing atrociously for 75 minutes of that game – Spurs needed a boost in Zagreb. — Joshua Law, Forbes, "‘Disgrace’ In Zagreb: How Will Tottenham Resolve Issues That Run Deeper Than Mourinho?," 19 Mar. 2021 Holt, a veteran utility player signed by the Rangers two weeks ago, is probably right up there with Odor in the third base derby. — Dallas News, "Rougned Odor’s best chance to be an everyday player for Rangers may be at third base," 27 Feb. 2021 After the nasty exchange of insults lobbed between star forwards Lukaku and Ibrahimovic the last time these teams took the pitch, many expect both sides to come out charged up and looking to secure a hard-fought win in this bitter rivalry derby. — oregonlive, "AC Milan vs Inter Milan soccer score updates, time, TV channel, how to watch live stream online with ESPN+ (2/21/2021)," 21 Feb. 2021 That’s the hub of the derby, with at least 100 bob houses on the bay. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "I may not be cut out for ice fishing. Or ice drinking.," 19 Feb. 2021 Just like three years ago when Jose Mourinho's derby win prevented City sealing the title that April day. — Rob Harris, Star Tribune, "United ends City winning run at 21 with Manchester derby joy," 7 Mar. 2021 Just like three years ago when Jose Mourinho's derby win prevented City sealing the title that April day. — Rob Harris, ajc, "United ends City winning run at 21 with Manchester derby joy," 7 Mar. 2021 The derby tests Scouts leadership and survival skills, such as archery, building a sled, first aid and making a fire. — Kimberly Fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Four La Grange area girls in first group to earn Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America," 22 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derby.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

5 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Derby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derby. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for derby

derby

noun

English Language Learners Definition of derby

: a type of horse race that takes place every year

: a race or contest

British : a game between local sports teams

See the full definition for derby in the English Language Learners Dictionary

derby

noun

der·by | \ ˈdər-bē

\

plural derbies

Kids Definition of derby

1 : a race for three-year-old horses usually held every year

2 : a race or contest open to anyone a fishing derby

3 : a stiff felt hat with a narrow brim and a rounded top

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