derby

IPA/ˈdɑːbi/
KK[dˈɚbi]IPA/ˈdɜːrbi/

derby — noun

  • derbysingular
  • derbiesplural

1. A game played between two local teams who come from the same city or district, o

1.nounB1
Definition

A game played between two local teams who come from the same city or district, often creating strong rivalry between their supporters.

Example

The Manchester derby between United and City is always a thrilling match to watch.

the [place] derby — two teams from one city

Noor's family goes to the local derby every year when the two city schools play.

local derby — teams from same area

Common collocations
  • local derby
  • derby match
  • derby game
  • the Milan derby
  • the North London derby
Synonyms
  • local match

    less specific; any match between local sides

  • rivalry game

    emphasises the historical tension between the two teams

Grammar Patterns

the [place name] derby

derby between [team A] and [team B]

Usage Note

Often combined with a place name, e.g. "the Milan derby" or "the North London derby". A derby match is usually more intense than a regular league game because of the local rivalry.

Common Mistakes

The derby between Spain and Germany' (countries, not local).
The derby between Liverpool and Everton' (both from the same city).
A derby must involve teams from the same local area.

2. A well-known horse competition that happens once a year, where the horses taking

2.nounB2
Definition

A well-known horse competition that happens once a year, where the horses taking part are almost always three years old.

Example

The Kentucky Derby is held every May and attracts visitors from all over the world.

proper noun: Kentucky Derby — specific annual race

Eli's uncle has been training horses for the derby for more than twenty years.

Common collocations
  • Kentucky Derby
  • Epsom Derby
  • win the derby
  • derby winner
  • derby horse
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

the [Name] Derby

Usage Note

Capitalised when referring to a specific named race (e.g. the Epsom Derby, the Kentucky Derby). The word derby is also used generically in this sense for any similar annual horse race.

3. A competition or contest that any person or team can enter, not limited to profe

3.nounB2
Definition

A competition or contest that any person or team can enter, not limited to professionals.

Example

The town holds an annual fishing derby on the lake where anyone can join.

annual [activity] derby — open to all entrants

Ramón won a small trophy in the bowling derby at the community centre last month.

Common collocations
  • fishing derby
  • bowling derby
  • roller derby
  • enter a derby
  • annual derby
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

[activity] derby

Usage Note

The activity name usually comes before "derby", e.g. "fishing derby", "roller derby", "bicycle derby". This sense contrasts with sense 1 by emphasising open entry rather than local rivalry.

4. A stiff, round hat with a narrow curved brim, usually black, worn by men, especi

4.nounC1
Definition

A stiff, round hat with a narrow curved brim, usually black, worn by men, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Example

In old photographs, businessmen walking through London often wore a black derby with their suits.

historical men's fashion: derby hat

Christopher found his grandfather's old derby hat in a wooden box in the attic.

Common collocations
  • black derby
  • derby hat
  • wear a derby
  • derby with a suit
Synonyms
  • bowler hat

    the more common name in British English; 'derby' is more common in American English

Usage Note

Also called a "bowler hat" in British English. This style of hat was most popular from the 1880s to the 1930s and is now mainly seen in historical settings or formal riding events.

Common Mistakes

She put on a derby before leaving the house' (derby hats were almost exclusively worn by men).
He tipped his derby hat to the lady as he passed.
The derby hat was a man's hat.
Idioms

local derby

idiom

A sporting match, especially in football, between two teams from the same town or region.

Léa bought tickets for the local derby weeks in advance because it always sells out quickly.

derby match

idiom

A sports game between two nearby rival teams, often played with special excitement and strong emotions from the fans.

Nala's father told her that a derby match is different from any other game because the players care so much about winning.

Etymology

First known use

1796

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1