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noun

dey

day
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Dey (noun) means Historically, the title given to the Ottoman-appointed ruler of Algiers. Example: “The dey of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade.”

noun
1
Historically, the title given to the Ottoman-appointed ruler of Algiers.
"The dey of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade."
2
An old or dialect word for a dairymaid, someone in charge of a dairy.
"The old records list a dey responsible for the manor's milk and cheese."

How to use dey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMainly a historical title for the ruler of Algiers under Ottoman rule; rarely, an old word for a dairymaid.

When to use it

Almost exclusively seen in history books today; not part of everyday speech.

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Word forms

Plural
deys
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade.

Etymology

The dairymaid sense traces back to Old English daege ("bread-maker" or "dairymaid"), the same root that gave us "dairy" and "lady." The Algerian ruler's title is an unrelated borrowing via Ottoman Turkish.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for dey

key hey bey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey money
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Frequently asked questions

What does “dey” mean?
The word “dey” means historically, the title given to the Ottoman-appointed ruler of Algiers. In plain terms, mainly a historical title for the ruler of Algiers under Ottoman rule; rarely, an old word for a dairymaid.
How do you pronounce “dey”?
“Dey” is pronounced day (/deɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dey” in a sentence?
Here is “dey” used in a sentence: “The dey of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade.”
What part of speech is “dey”?
“Dey” is a noun.
Where does the word “dey” come from?
The word “dey” comes from Old English. The dairymaid sense traces back to Old English daege ("bread-maker" or "dairymaid"), the same root that gave us "dairy" and "lady." The Algerian ruler's title is an unrelated borrowing via Ottoman Turkish.
How many meanings does “dey” have?
“Dey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: historically, the title given to the Ottoman-appointed ruler of Algiers.