derby

noun der·by \ ˈdər-bē , especially British ˈdä- \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of derby

plural derbies

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

See derby defined for English-language learners

See derby defined for kids

Examples of derby in a Sentence

a derby between Manchester United and Manchester City

Recent Examples of derby from the Web

But a year after big leaguers launched a record 6,105 longballs, Stanton and Davidson staged their own long-distance home run derby.

— Washington Post, "Stanton, Davidson tee off, opening day turns into HR derby," 30 Mar. 2018
The Fan Fest will also feature an appearance by the Harlem Globetrotters, and a mix of sports activities, including home run derby and slapshot practice.

— jasper scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio readies for packed Final Four schedule," 24 Mar. 2018
The draw set up both English clubs for an intense week, with city derbies in the Premier League sandwiched between the quarterfinal games.

— Bloomberg.com, "Real Madrid Faces Juventus in Champions League Quarterfinals," 16 Mar. 2018
Getafe and Leganes drew 0-0 last weekend in the southern Madrid derby.

— USA TODAY, "Leganes looks to extend surprising run in Copa del Rey," 6 Feb. 2018
That year, menswear, in the most traditional sense, was booming—not yet dominated by logos and streetwear, but by suede derbies and slim cargo pants and ultra-dense oxford shirts.

— sam schube, GQ, "The Man Who Taught Men to Love Clothes," 6 Feb. 2018
From the abundance of shamrocks and green derbies to Irish dancers and pipers in traditional regalia, the hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day were on display at the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday as far down Western Avenue as the eye could see.

— zak koeske, Daily Southtown, "South Side Irish Parade focuses on family, community," 12 Mar. 2018
Fishing derby Spring is trout season in San Diego County, and the Hidden Valley Kiwanis Foundation is hosting the 21st annual Charity Trout Derby on April 21 and 22 at Dixon Lake in Escondido.

— ernie cowan outdoors, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hikes, birding class, fishing derby coming up," 10 Mar. 2018
Officials at the Italian football association made the brave decision to postpone matches which were due to be played on Sunday - including the Milan derby - as a mark of respect following Astori's sudden passing.

— SI.com, "Autopsy Findings Determine Davide Astori's Death the Result of Cardiac Arrest Ahead of Funeral," 7 Mar. 2018

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.

Illustration of derby

Origin and Etymology of derby

Edward Stanley †1834, 12th earl of Derby

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1796

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Derby

geographical name Der·by \ ˈdär-bē , chiefly U.S. ˈdər- \

Definition of Derby

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

DERBY Defined for English Language Learners

derby

noun

Definition of derby for English Language Learners

: a type of horse race that takes place every year
: a race or contest
: a game between local sports teams

DERBY Defined for Kids

derby

noun der·by \ ˈdər-bē \

Definition of derby for Students

plural derbies

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

History for derby

The first horse race called a Derby was named after an English nobleman named Edward Stanley, the Earl of Derby (1752-1834). The Earl of Derby instituted the race in 1780, and it continues to be run to the present day in England on the first Wednesday in June. The name Derby has become attached to other horse races, such as the Kentucky Derby in the United States, as well as to races and contests that have nothing to do with horses.