# derrick

/ˈdɛɹɪk/ (US) · /dˈɛɹɪk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. oil well frame

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the tall metal frame built over an oil well to hold the drilling equipment.

For teachers: the framework constructed over an oil well or similar boring to support the drilling machinery and pipes.

- The workers spent all day repairing the derrick at the new oil field.
- The silhouette of the oil derrick stood out against the sunset, marking the location of the newly discovered petroleum reserve.

### 2. lifting machine

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of crane used for moving heavy objects on ships or at building sites.

For teachers: a hoisting apparatus employing a tackle rigged at the end of a beam.

- The ship used a derrick to lift the heavy cargo onto the dock.
- Engineers utilised a specialized derrick to position the steel girders during the bridge's construction phase.

Teaching tip: This term is more specific than 'crane' and is often used in maritime or industrial contexts.

### 3. to lift

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to lift or move something using a derrick machine.

For teachers: to hoist or manipulate an object using a derrick apparatus.

- They had to derrick the heavy engine out of the boat for repairs.
- The crew managed to derrick the equipment onto the platform despite the high winds and choppy seas.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

### 4. baseball: to remove a pitcher

verb · CEFR C2 · American English · Informal · Slang

in baseball, to take a pitcher out of the game.

For teachers: to remove a pitcher from the mound during a game.

- The manager decided to derrick the pitcher after he gave up three runs.
- After the starter struggled in the fourth inning, the coach had no choice but to derrick him in favour of a relief pitcher.

Usage: Used primarily in North American baseball contexts.

Teaching tip: This is a very niche sports term; most learners will only encounter it in sports journalism.

## Examples

- The derrick lifts heavy pipes onto the platform.
- Workers climbed the steel derrick to check the drilling equipment.
- The massive derrick stood against the grey sky, a symbol of the relentless industrial effort to extract oil from the deep seabed.

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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.