derby meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

derby

nounalso spelled Derby

UK /ˈdɑː.bi/ · US /ˈdɝ.bi/

Etymology From Epsom Derby horse race, named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby. Ultimately from Derby.

Any of several annual horse races.

Broadly Any organized race.

a donkey derby

US A bowler hat.

He began to fan her with his hat. That was successful, for he struck her nose with the brim of his derby and she opened her eyes.1906, O. Henry, The Green Door:

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A sports match between rival teams.

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A local derby.

Defeat sees Forest remain a point outside the top six with a derby against Leicester up next.2011 April 15, Saj Chowdhury, “Norwich 2 - 1 Nott'm Forest”, in BBC Sport:
The left-back had been a selection concern because of an injury niggle but his first goal since last March swung this derby decisively in United’s favour, extending their club record unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League to 22 games and torpedoing City’s sequence of 21 straight wins in all competitions.2021 March 7, David Hytner, “Manchester United catch City cold as Fernandes and Shaw end winning run”, in The Guardian:

Derived terms: demolition derby, derby dog, diaper derby, duck derby, local derby, merby, roller derby, tar derby, tin derby, trench derby

Derby

noun

UK /ˈdɑːbi/

Etymology Inherited from Middle English Derby, from Old English Dēorby, of Scandinavian/North Germanic origin, from Old Norse Djúra-bý (“village of the deer”), from dýr (“deer”) + bǿr (“settlement”). Influenced by British Latin Derventio, the Roman site predating Derby, and possibly also the Celtic river name Derwent.

A type of cheese made in Derby, England.

Related terms: Sage Derby