derring-do

noun

der·​ring-do ˌder-iŋ-ˈdü How to pronounce derring-do (audio)
ˌde-riŋ-
: daring action : daring
deeds of derring-do

Did you know?

Derring-do is a quirky holdover from Middle English that came to occupy its present place in the language by a series of mistakes and misunderstandings. In Middle English, dorring don meant simply "daring to do." The phrase was misprinted as derrynge do in a 15th-century work by poet John Lydgate, and Edmund Spenser took it up from there. (A glossary to Spenser's work defined it as "manhood and chevalrie.") Literary author Sir Walter Scott and others brought the noun into modern use.

Examples of derring-do in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The main appeal of these films has always been the relationship between Eddie and Venom, his alien pal who frequently pops out to say hello and crack wise, and who can take over Eddie’s body with his tar-like mass and giant teeth for various feats of strength and derring-do. Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 24 Oct. 2024 But a few minutes in, with crashes of sound and light and color and the scrolling of movie-style credits, Lloyd signals that the minimalism of his other productions will be augmented with here-and-there flashes of theatrical derring-do that sets Blvd. Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024 Miu Miu wrapped the week in Paris with a derring-do mash up of sportif couture — utterly unique and playful! Rhonda Richford, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024 Boyd’s memoir vividly paints that place and time, spiced by tales of derring-do — trapping wolves for radio-collar research, surviving close calls with grizzly bears, crossing icy rivers and flying small planes low over dangerous terrain. Ben Long, The Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derring-do 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dorring don daring to do, from dorring (gerund of dorren to dare) + don to do

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of derring-do was in 1579

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near derring-do

Cite this Entry

“Derring-do.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derring-do. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

derring-do

noun
der·​ring-do
ˌder-iŋ-ˈdü
: daring action : daring
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!