# derby

/ˈdɝbi/ (US) · /dˈɑːbi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/derby
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. local sports rivalry

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a sports match between two teams from the same city or local area.

For teachers: a sporting fixture between two local rivals, typically from the same city or region, characterized by intense competition.

- The city was divided as fans headed to the stadium for the local football derby.
- The North London derby remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in the football calendar, often resulting in a sell-out crowd and heightened security.

Usage: Often used with 'local' or the names of the two competing sides.

### 2. horse race

noun · CEFR B2

an important horse race that happens every year.

For teachers: a prestigious annual horse race, often restricted to three-year-old horses.

- Thousands of people dressed up to watch the famous horse racing derby.
- Winning the Kentucky Derby is considered the pinnacle of achievement for many breeders and trainers in the American racing industry.

### 3. a type of hat

noun · CEFR C2 · American English

a hard, round black hat.

For teachers: a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow brim.

- The old man in the movie wore a black derby and carried a cane.
- The character was instantly recognizable by his signature charcoal suit and matching derby hat.

Teaching tip: In British English, this is almost always called a 'bowler hat'.

### 4. organized competition

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a competition or race that is open to anyone or follows specific rules.

For teachers: an organized competition or race, often involving specific categories of participants or vehicles.

- The kids spent all week building their wooden cars for the soapbox derby.
- The local community center organized a fishing derby to raise money for the new park equipment.

## Examples

- The local derby between the two city teams is always crowded.
- Fans are already lining up for tickets to the North London derby, as the rivalry between these two clubs goes back decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.