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

"This appalling act in no way reflects the people of Derry," the Sinn Féin deputy leader said.

Read more on BBC

"Derry is a place where people are welcomed no matter where they are from."

Read more on BBC

A previous daily service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin, funded by the Irish government, was withdrawn in 2011.

Read more on BBC

A spokeswoman for Derry City and Strabane District Council, owners of City of Derry airport, said the PSO route to Dublin "represents a strategic opportunity for us to strengthen links, improve access for business and tourism".

Read more on BBC

For the entity called Pennywise, the demon that haunts Derry, Maine, fear is the best seasoning for flesh.

Read more on Salon