derry

¹

[ der-ee ]

noun

, plural der·ries.

1. a meaningless refrain or chorus in old songs.

Derry

²

[ der-ee ]

noun

1. Londonderry ( defs 1, 2 ).
2. a town in SE New Hampshire.

derry

¹

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc

derry

²

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. have a derry on
   to have a prejudice or grudge against

Derry

³

/ ˈdɛrɪ /

noun

1. a district in NW Northern Ireland, in Co Londonderry. Pop: 106 456 (2003 est). Area: 387 sq km (149 sq miles)
2. another name for Londonderry

Word History and Origins

Origin of derry¹

First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of derry¹

C20: shortened from derelict

Origin of derry²

C19: probably from derry down, a refrain in some folk songs, alluding to the phrase have a down on; see down ¹

Example Sentences

Love alleged that Michael McMahon, who goes by Clara Divine in drag, performed inappropriately in front of children at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry last June.

From Washington Blade

Among the men discharged were several who had been at Derry, and who had received pensions since the abandonment of the post.

From Project Gutenberg

Derry, the little unconscious cause of it all, lay quiet, with Mary watching him.

From Project Gutenberg

“Old man Willard held out the marble mitt that-a time, Derry,” said he.

From Project Gutenberg

But it is all part and parcel of my plan, Derry, which rests on your reply to one small question.

From Project Gutenberg

Hugh Marten conspired with my father—hired him, I might rather say—to drive you and me apart, Derry.

From Project Gutenberg