derrick

American  

[der-ik] / ˈdɛr ɪk /

noun

derricks plural

1. Machinery. a jib crane having a boom hinged near the base of the mast so as to rotate about the mast, for moving a load toward or away from the mast by raising or lowering the boom.

2. Also called oil derrick.  the towerlike framework over an oil well or the like.

3. a boom for lifting cargo, pivoted at its inner end to a ship's mast or kingpost, and raised and supported at its outer end by topping lifts.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. Machinery. luff.

derrick British  

/ ˈdɛrɪk /

noun

1. a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom

2. the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered

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verb

1. to raise or lower the jib of (a crane)

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• derricks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of derrick

Originally a hangman, the gallows, after the surname of a well-known Tyburn hangman, circa 1600

Explanation

A derrick is either a crane for lifting material or a framework over an oil well that allows the drilling machinery to be raised and lowered. A 17th century English hangman named Derrick led to a gallows being called a derrick. From there, a crane with a moveable arm came to be called a derrick because it resembled a gallows. Later, another kind of derrick was created: the kind of framework you can probably picture if you think of an oil well. That derrick allows the drilling tubes to move up and down, and all these types of derricks have a similar, up-and-down purpose.

Example Sentences

While the company did not comment on the matter, TD Cowen analyst Derrick Wood estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 employees, or 6% to 9% of the workforce, were affected.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

As the crowd showered Vargas with cheers, Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall glanced over at first base.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

TD Cowen analyst Derrick Wood, though, believes further positive momentum may be harder to come by, at least in the near term.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Laura Derrick, who also lives in Inverclyde with her husband and three children, including a three month old baby, says the payment is "really important".

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

I looked over to see Derrick, also holding a drum.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline