Derby

¹

[dur-bee, dahr-bee]

noun

1. a city in Derbyshire in central England.

2. Derbyshire.

3. a city in S Connecticut.

Derby

²

[dur-bee, dahr-bee]

noun

plural

Derbies 

1. a race for three-year-old horses that is run annually at Epsom Downs, near London, England: first run in 1780.

2. any of certain other important annual horse races, usually for three-year-old horses, especially the Kentucky Derby.

3. (lowercase),  a race or contest, usually one open to all who wish to enter and offering a prize for the winner.

4. (lowercase),  any endeavor or venture regarded as a competition.

   to win the gubernatorial derby.

5. Also called bowler. (lowercase),  a stiff felt hat with rounded crown and narrow brim, worn chiefly by men.

Derby

¹

/ ˈdɑːbɪ /

noun

1. a city in central England, in Derby unitary authority, Derbyshire: engineering industries (esp aircraft engines and railway rolling stock); university (1991). Pop: 229 407 (2001)

2. a unitary authority in central England, in Derbyshire. Pop: 233 200 (2003 est). Area: 78 sq km (30 sq miles)

3. a firm-textured pale-coloured type of cheese

4. a green-and-white Derby cheese flavoured with sage

Derby

²

/ ˈdɜːrbɪ, ˈdɑːbɪ /

noun

1. an annual horse race run at Epsom Downs, Surrey, since 1780: one of the English flat-racing classics

2. any of various other horse races

3. a football match between two teams from the same area

Derby

³

/ ˈdɑːbɪ /

noun

1. Earl of. title of Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley. 1799–1869, British statesman; Conservative prime minister (1852; 1858–59; 1866–68)

derby

⁴

/ ˈdɜːrbɪ /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): bowler. a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow curved brim

Word History and Origins

Origin of Derby¹

First recorded in 1830–40; after Edward Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (died 1834), who instituted the race

Word History and Origins

Origin of Derby¹

C18: named after the twelfth Earl of Derby (died 1834), who founded the horse race at Epsom Downs in 1780

Example Sentences

"To have that composure in the last minute of a derby is incredible. That's why we love football."

From BBC

Well, what about now after a 91st-minute Edinburgh derby winner sent a euphoric home crowd into a chorus of 'we shall not be moved' at a rocking Tynecastle?

From BBC

We’re supposed to find depth in Johnson’s weary, pinched grin as he appreciates the sunset on a flight to Japan or watches fans at demolition derby cheer just as loudly for mindless chunks of metal getting crushed.

From Los Angeles Times

Paul Jewell holds the record, having failed to win any of his first 27 matches as Derby County boss in the 2007-2008 season.

From BBC

Wembley Arena will stage a London derby when Mavericks host Pulse in May.

From BBC