Meaning & use
derny
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablespecialistsport
a small motorcycle used in track cycling to set the pace for riders
Grammar: Countable: a derny, two dernies. Often used after 'on' or 'behind': ride behind the derny.
Patterns
- ride behind a derny
- follow the derny
- on a derny
In motor-paced races, riders stay close behind a derny to reduce air resistance.
The derny driver controls the speed and gradually increases it during the race.
He was disqualified for overtaking the derny too early.
Word forms
| plural | derny |
|---|---|
| plural | derny's |
| plural | derny |
Common combinations
- derny race
- The derny race is a highlight of the track cycling program.
- behind the derny
- The cyclist tucked in behind the derny to save energy.
- derny driver
- The derny driver wore a helmet and protective clothing.
- motor-paced by a derny
- The event was motor-paced by a derny for most of the distance.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: derny or derby?
derny vs derby
Derby is a horse race or a sports match between local teams; a derny is a motorbike used in cycling. They sound similar but are completely different.
Practice
What is a derny used for?
Choose one answer.
A derny is a small motorbike that sets the pace for cyclists in track races. The other options describe unrelated objects or activities.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “derny”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.