noun
Uncommon
derrick
DEH-rihk
Derrick (noun) means a tall framework used to lift and move heavy objects, or to support drilling equipment. Example: “The oil derrick towered over the flat plain.”
noun
1
A tall framework used to lift and move heavy objects, or to support drilling equipment.
"The oil derrick towered over the flat plain."
"A crane derrick hoisted the container onto the ship."
How to use derrick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tall lifting structure, often seen on oil rigs or construction sites.
Common pairings
oil derrick
drilling derrick
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Word forms
- Plural
- derricks
- Third person singular
- derricks
- Past tense
- derricked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The oil _____ towered over the flat plain.
Etymology
Named after Thomas Derrick, a 17th-century English executioner whose hanging apparatus gave its name to the lifting frame.
Class of 1600
derrick joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Rhymes for derrick
See all rhymes for derrick →Frequently asked questions
What does “derrick” mean?
The word “derrick” means a tall framework used to lift and move heavy objects, or to support drilling equipment. In plain terms, a tall lifting structure, often seen on oil rigs or construction sites.
How do you pronounce “derrick”?
“Derrick” is pronounced DEH-rihk (/ˈdɛɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “derrick” in a sentence?
Here is “derrick” used in a sentence: “The oil derrick towered over the flat plain.”
What part of speech is “derrick”?
“Derrick” is a noun.
Where does the word “derrick” come from?
The word “derrick” dates back to around 1600. Named after Thomas Derrick, a 17th-century English executioner whose hanging apparatus gave its name to the lifting frame.
Is “derrick” a common word?
“Derrick” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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