derry

[ der-ee ]

/ ˈdɛr i /

noun, plural der·ries.

a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.

Nearby words

derring-do, derringer, derris, derrière, derro, derry, dertrum, derv, dervish, derwent, derwentwater

Origin of derry

First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin

Also called der·ry-down

[der-ee-doun] /ˈdɛr iˌdaʊn/.

Definition for derry (2 of 2)

Derry

[ der-ee ]

/ ˈdɛr i /

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

If "derry down," which has been said to be druidical, were judged of by the last song it went with, how old would be the Druids?
Notes and Queries, Number 35, June 29, 1850|Various
Hugh Marten conspired with my father—hired him, I might rather say—to drive you and me apart, Derry.
The Terms of Surrender|Louis Tracy
The British flag went down, and Derry Duck, with a strong party of boarders was sent at once to seize the valuable prize.
The Boy Patriot|Edward Sylvester Ellis
Jean, striving to follow Derry's point of view, found herself floundering.
The Tin Soldier|Temple Bailey

When Derry's car slid up to Margaret's door, he saw the two children at an upper window.
The Tin Soldier|Temple Bailey

British Dictionary definitions for derry (1 of 3)

derry

/ (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)

derry

/ (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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012