derby

noun der·by \ˈdər-bē, especially British ˈdär-\

: a type of horse race that takes place every year

: a race or contest

: a game between local sports teams

plural derbies

Full Definition of DERBY

: any of several horse races held annually and usually restricted to three-year-olds

: a race or contest open to all comers or to a specified category of contestants <bicycle derby>

: a man's stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim

See derby defined for English-language learners

See derby defined for kids

Illustration of DERBY

Origin of DERBY

Edward Stanley †1834, 12th earl of Derby

First Known Use: 1796

Rhymes with DERBY

herby

Derby

geographical name Der·by \ˈdär-bē, chiefly United States ˈdər-\

Definition of DERBY

city N cen England in Derbyshire pop 214,000

Rhymes with DERBY

derby, herby

DERBY Defined for Kids

derby

noun der·by \ˈdər-bē\

plural der·bies

Definition of DERBY for Kids

: a race for three-year-old horses usually held every year

: a race or contest open to anyone <a fishing derby>

: a stiff felt hat with a narrow brim and a rounded top

Word History of DERBY

The first horse race called a Derby was named after an English nobleman named Edward Stanley, the Earl of Derby (1752-1834). The Earl of Derby instituted the race in 1780, and it continues to be run to the present day in England on the first Wednesday in June. The name Derby has become attached to other horse races, such as the Kentucky Derby in the United States, as well as to races and contests that have nothing to do with horses.