a race for three-year-old horses that is run annually at Epsom Downs, near London, England: first run in 1780.
any of certain other important annual horse races, usually for three-year-old horses, especially the Kentucky Derby.
(lowercase) a race or contest, usually one open to all who wish to enter and offering a prize for the winner.
(lowercase) any endeavor or venture regarded as a competition.
to win the gubernatorial derby.
Also called bowler. (lowercase) a stiff felt hat with rounded crown and narrow brim, worn chiefly by men.
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)
a unitary authority in central England, in Derbyshire. Pop: 233 200 (2003 est). Area: 78 sq km (30 sq miles)
a firm-textured pale-coloured type of cheese
a green-and-white Derby cheese flavoured with sage
an annual horse race run at Epsom Downs, Surrey, since 1780: one of the English flat-racing classics
any of various other horse races
a football match between two teams from the same area
First recorded in 1830–40; after Edward Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (died 1834), who instituted the race
A derby is a type of hat that's round, felt, stiff, and has a narrow brim. Wear one with a little mustache and a cane, and you’ll look just like Charlie Chaplin. A derby, as the distinctive round hat with a little brim, was made in the U.S. in the 1850s, but it’s probably named after the Derby horse race in England, where men wore this kind of hat. The race was named after the 12th Earl of Derby. A derby can also be called a bowler, bowler hat, derby hat, or plug hat. Derbies are kind of old-fashioned, so you probably won't see anyone wearing one these days.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I couldn’t prepare myself,” said DeVaux, who had never had a Derby starter.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
EDT on May 2, the exact time Golden Tempo crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
Winning the Derby changes anyone’s life, but it’s magnified when you make history, as DeVaux did by becoming the first female trainer to win the world’s most famous horse race.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
The former England midfielder, who has previously managed Derby, Everton and had two spells in charge at Chelsea, was presented with the Sir Alex Ferguson award by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
He and poor old Edgar Derby were pushing an empty two-wheeled cart down a dirt lane between empty pens for animals.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
