derry

¹

[der-ee]

noun

plural

derries 

1. a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.

Derry

²

[der-ee]

noun

1. Londonderry.

2. a town in SE New Hampshire.

Derry

¹

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. a district in NW Northern Ireland, in Co Londonderry. Pop: 106 456 (2003 est). Area: 387 sq km (149 sq miles)

2. another name for Londonderry

derry

²

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. to have a prejudice or grudge against

derry

³

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. slang,  a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of derry¹

First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of derry¹

C19: probably from derry down, a refrain in some folk songs, alluding to the phrase have a down on; see _down ¹

Origin of derry²

C20: shortened from _derelict

Example Sentences

It’s 1962 in Derry, Maine, and everywhere else.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That “Welcome to Derry” is more of a cheesy B-picture than its makers might like to imagine, assembled from worked-over tropes — somewhat excusable for King having originated many of them — is more in its favor than not.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Those relatives who attended court in Belfast returned to Derry on Thursday evening knowing the verdicts could not be appealed.

Read more on BBC

"Really disappointed, devastated - devastated for all the families and for Derry city," she said.

Read more on BBC

Relatives of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the trial.

Read more on BBC