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definitions

derry

[der-ee]
|

noun, plural der·ries.

a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.

Origin of derry

First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin
Also called der·ry-down [der-ee-doun] /ˈdɛr iˌdaʊn/.

Derry

[der-ee]

noun

Londonderry(defs 1, 2).
a town in SE New Hampshire.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for derry

Historical Examples of derry

  • He has been here to say that he's off for Derry to-night with the mail to meet Dolly.

    Tony Butler

    Charles James Lever

  • Derry wishes to serve his country but is bound by a tie he cannot in honor break.

    Glory of Youth

    Temple Bailey

  • From Limavady to Derry there is very little uncultivated land.

    A Tour in Ireland

    Arthur Young

  • The view of Derry at the distance of a mile or two is the most picturesque of any place I have seen.

    A Tour in Ireland

    Arthur Young

  • His honour, happily, was away in Derry, and no one was there to question us as to our expedition.

    Kilgorman

    Talbot Baines Reed

British Dictionary definitions for derry

derry

1

noun plural -ries

have a derry on Australian and NZ to have a prejudice or grudge against

Word Origin for derry

C19: probably from derry down, a refrain in some folk songs, alluding to the phrase have a down on; see down 1

derry

2

noun plural -ries

slang a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc

Word Origin for derry

C20: shortened from derelict

Derry

noun

a district in NW Northern Ireland, in Co Londonderry. Pop: 106 456 (2003 est). Area: 387 sq km (149 sq miles)
another name for Londonderry
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012