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.
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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
“I couldn’t prepare myself,” said DeVaux, who had never had a Derby starter.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
DeVaux was carrying one of her nephews on her hip immediately after the Derby, and some people watching on TV immediately praised her for being a working mom.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
Raya's biggest test came in his final game for the club when the Sandgrounders visited Championship side Derby County in the FA Cup third round.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
Ask Mr. Derby if he could send his venture on the Henry?
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
