derby

Everyday

1. A derby is a sports match between two local teams from the same city or area, which is often very exciting. tree →
2. A derby is a famous horse race; the Derby in England is run at Epsom, and the Kentucky Derby is in the USA. tree →
3. (USA) A derby is a hard, round, black hat with a narrow brim, called a bowler hat in the UK. tree →
4. A derby is any race or contest open to many people, such as a soapbox derby or roller derby. tree →
5. Derby (with a capital D) is a city in England. tree →

In the lessons

In sport talk, a derby game means a big local rivalry, such as two football clubs from the same city. In the USA, children race homemade go-karts in a soapbox derby. In stories, a man in a derby hat looks old-fashioned. Common phrases: «local derby», «the Kentucky Derby», «soapbox derby», «roller derby», «derby day».

Examples

• The Manchester derby is the biggest match of the year for our family. tree →
• Thousands watched the horses run in the Derby. tree →
• Grandpa wore a derby hat in the old photo. tree →
• Our class built a car for the soapbox derby. tree →
• My aunt plays roller derby on skates. tree →
• The derby ended in a draw, two all. tree →
• Derby is a city in the East Midlands of England. tree →

Note

Plural: derbies. Pronunciation trap: in the UK, «derby» is said DAR-bee; in the USA it is said DUR-bee. The horse race is named after an Earl of Derby. «Bowler hat» (UK) = «derby» (USA).