Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

derry

[der-ee]
See more synonyms for derry on Thesaurus.com
noun, plural der·ries.
  1. a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.
Show More

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
  1. Londonderry(defs 1, 2).
  2. a town in SE New Hampshire.
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for derry

Historical Examples

  • 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

derry1

noun plural -ries
  1. have a derry on Australian and NZ to have a prejudice or grudge against
Show More

Word Origin

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

derry2

noun plural -ries
  1. slang a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc
Show More

Word Origin

C20: shortened from derelict

Derry

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
Show More
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