plural derbies
1
: a type of horse race that takes place every year
—used especially in proper names
the Kentucky Derby
2
: a race or contest
a fishing derby
3
British
: a game between local sports teams
a derby between Manchester United and Manchester City
4
US
: a hard usually black cloth hat that has a round top and that was worn by men especially in the 1800s
called also (US) derby hat, ((chiefly British)) bowler
Cite this Entry
“Derby.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/derby. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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