How to pronounce derby
Say it like DUR-bee. Derby has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce derby. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DUR
- bee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Derby pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- beeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of derby
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DUR-bee.
What does derby mean?
- a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim
Where does derby come from?
From Epsom Derby horse race, named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying derby
How do you pronounce derby?
Say DUR-bee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɝbi/. In British English it is /ˈdɜːbi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in derby?
Derby has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUR). Broken into parts: DUR · bee.
Is derby pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdɜːbi/ (DUR-bee).