derring-do
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of derring-do
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English durring-do literally, “daring to do,” erroneously taken as noun phrase; see dare, do 1
Explanation
Looking for a colorful word to describe brave or courageous action? Try derring-do! Your adventurous cousin's stories of derring-do might include climbing mountains, wrestling alligators, and bungee jumping. This old-fashioned word is perfect if you want a funny way to talk about slightly reckless feats of bravery. A series of misprints and misunderstandings led to poet Edmund Spenser's interpretation of derrynge do (intended to mean "in daring to do") as a noun meaning "heroism." He used it that way in his epic poem, The Faerie Queene. Sir Walter Scott was the first to use derring-do as one word, in his 1820 novel Ivanhoe.
Vocabulary lists containing derring-do
Endling: The Last
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A Prayer for Owen Meany
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Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Good on James Mangold for tracking a bit of mud on Bob Dylan’s legacy, the kind of irreverent derring-do the movie’s own Johnny Cash celebrates.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025
China hasn’t achieved this technological ascendancy through sheer grit and derring-do.
From Slate • May 28, 2024
If you like your fantasy novels packed with comedy, action and old-fashioned derring-do, “Promise” is the book for you.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024
Like a corgi back-flipping over a bathtub of champagne, “Red, White & Royal Blue” starts with a giddy premise and has the derring-do to succeed.
From New York Times • Aug. 10, 2023
It seems the boy is always running afoul of a pack of shamblers in the midst of his Missouri adventures, and the boy’s derring-do reminds me of my own exploits.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
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.
