Refers to a classic horse race for three-year-olds, especially the Epsom Derby in the UK or similar races worldwide.
That horse is scheduled to run in this year's Derby.
The Epsom Derby in the UK is held every June.
Abbreviation of 日本ダービー, the Tokyo Yūshun, Japan's premier horse race for three-year-olds.
See also: 日本ダービー
This year's Japan Derby will be held at Tokyo Racecourse.
battle for first place; competition; contest
Extended use for any intense competition or race for the top spot, often in business or entertainment contexts.
See also: ホームランダービー
This summer's TV dramas are in a fierce ratings battle among the networks.
local derby; derby match
In sports, a match between two teams from the same city or region.
See also: ダービーマッチ
The local derby match over the weekend was intense.
It won the Japan Derby while still undefeated.
The two companies are locked in a fierce battle for first place.
Tonight's Osaka derby had everyone excited.
ダービーマッチ explicitly spells out 'derby match' between rival local teams, while ダービー alone can carry this same meaning by context.
ホームランダービー names the specific baseball contest for most home runs, while ダービー alone can describe any such head-to-head race for the top spot.
Used when counting the race itself, e.g. 第3回ダービー (the 3rd Derby).
Borrowed from English 'derby', originally referring to the Epsom Derby horse race founded by the 12th Earl of Derby in 1780. The extended senses developed in Japanese through metaphorical use.