derry
[ der-ee ]
/ ˈdɛr i /
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noun, plural der·ries.
a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.
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Also called der·ry-down [der-ee-doun]. /ˈdɛr iˌdaʊn/.
Origin of derry
First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin
Words nearby derry
derrière, derring-do, derringer, derris, derro, derry, dertrum, derv, dervish, Derwent, Derwentwater
Definition for derry (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for derry
British Dictionary definitions for derry (1 of 3)
derry1
/ (ˈdɛrɪ) /
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
British Dictionary definitions for derry (2 of 3)
derry2
/ (ˈdɛrɪ) /
noun plural -ries
slang a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc
Word Origin for derry
C20: shortened from derelict
British Dictionary definitions for derry (3 of 3)
Derry
/ (ˈdɛrɪ) /
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
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