derrick

[ der-ik ]

noun

1. Machinery. a jib crane having a boom hinged near the base of the mast so as to rotate about the mast, for moving a load toward or away from the mast by raising or lowering the boom.
2. Also called oil derrick. the towerlike framework over an oil well or the like.
3. a boom for lifting cargo, pivoted at its inner end to a ship's mast or kingpost, and raised and supported at its outer end by topping lifts.

verb (used with or without object)

1. Machinery. luff.

derrick

/ ˈdɛrɪk /

noun

1. a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom
2. the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered

verb

1. to raise or lower the jib of (a crane)

Word History and Origins

Origin of derrick¹

Originally a hangman, the gallows, after the surname of a well-known Tyburn hangman, circa 1600

Word History and Origins

Origin of derrick¹

C17 (in the sense: gallows): from Derrick, name of a celebrated hangman at Tyburn

Example Sentences

Smudge-ugly oil derricks befouled the graves, and by around 1905, graves and gravestones had been moved to a new Home of Peace, well east of downtown.

From Los Angeles Times

“We suddenly know how many steps it is to get to the church from the derrick. It starts to become real.”

From Seattle Times

The oil derrick logo team founder Bud Adams brought with him to Tennessee in 1997 was at midfield with the Oilers’ nickname in both end zones and decorated the walls along the field.

From Seattle Times

The announcement comes as environmental activists focus increasing attention on the health and financial risks of idle oil wells in Southern California, a region once dominated by oil derricks and pumpjacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps a rotting oil derrick, it could well be at the bottom of a poisoned sea.

From Los Angeles Times