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

Among the most high profile cases was the murder of Lyra McKee, who was shot while observing a rioting in the Creggan estate in Derry in April 2019.

From BBC

Joe Mahon, who was 16 at the time of the shootings, told of how he saw one soldier "firing from the hip" as he entered Glenfada Park North in Derry.

From BBC

They were among 13 people who were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment at a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry on 30 January, 1972.

From BBC

In 2022, a series of events took place in Derry to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Earhart's historic transatlantic landing.

From BBC

Emmett McConomy, whose 11-year-old brother Stephen was shot dead by a soldier in Derry in 1982, said he hoped the deal was "a step in the right direction" but warned it could fail without meaningful consultation.

From BBC