2 syllables: der, rick. Stress on der.
DER-ik
/ˈdɛɹɪk/
derrick is pronounced DER-ik (/ˈdɛɹɪk/). It has two syllables (der-rick), with the stress on "der". Derrick refers to a type of lifting device with a movable hoist on a pivoting arm, or more generally to a lookout or tower from which something is hung. In business names or historical contexts, it may denote a person's name or a structure associated with cranes. The term conveys mechanical lifting capability and sometimes industrial or maritime settings. The noun form is commonly used in technical and historical discussions.
Derrick refers to a type of lifting device with a movable hoist on a pivoting arm, or more generally to a lookout or tower from which something is hung. In business names or historical contexts, it may denote a person's name or a structure associated with cranes. The term conveys mechanical lifting capability and sometimes industrial or maritime settings. The noun form is commonly used in technical and historical discussions.
"The oil rig’s derrick loomed over the platform, guiding heavy pipes into place."
"A derrick is a fixed, pivoting crane used to raise and lower loads in shipyards."
"The old derrick near the pier creaked as the crew hoisted cargo."
Pronounce it as DER-ik, with first-syllable stress. IPA: US/UK/AU ˈdɛrɪk. Start with a clear D, then a mid-front vowel /e/ as in “bed,” followed by an r-colored schwa /ə/ or /ɪ/ depending on speaker, then a clear k. The mouth closes quickly after the /r/ and the final /k/ is unreleased in some fast speech. You can listen to models on Forvo or pronunciation videos on Pronounce to hear regional nuance.
Common errors include misplacing stress (pronouncing as de-RICK), pronouncing as deh-RIK with a dull /ɪ/ or confusing the second vowel with /ə/; and over-pronouncing the second syllable as /ɪ/ with a stretched vowel. Correction: keep the first syllable stressed and use a short /ɪ/ or /ə/ in the second, ensuring the /r/ is properly approximated without a strong vowel following. Practice with minimal pairs to feel the contrast, e.g., DER-ik vs. der-ICK pronunciations.
In US/UK/AU, the core is DER-ik with first-syllable stress. Rhotic accents (US, AU) keep /r/ before the vowel, while non-rhotic UK varieties may have a weaker post-r vowel but still maintain DER. The vowel quality in the first syllable can vary: US /ɛ/ as in bet; UK often /e/ or /eɪ/ influenced by dialect; AU resembles US but with slight vowel flattening. Overall, the word remains two syllables with strong first-stress and a short, clipped final /ɪ/ or /ɪk/ depending on speaker.
Derrick combines a post-alveolar approximant r and a short, lax vowel in the first syllable, which can be tricky for learners. The challenge lies in tongue position for /r/ in rhotic accents and achieving a crisp /k/ without inserting a vowel, as well as avoiding an overlong second syllable. Also, non-native speakers may hesitate between /ɪ/ and /ə/ in the second syllable, which changes the word’s cadence.
A unique feature is the crisp, short final /k/ after a rhotic onset, with the potential for an unreleased /k/ in fast speech. The initial /d/ is voiced and precedes a short vowel, and the /r/ can be vocalized or slightly tapped depending on regional habit. Pay attention to the transition from /r/ to /ɪ/; many learners insert an extra vowel between, which slows the delivery. IPA reference helps lock in the exact timing.
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Derrick originates from the French word derrick, which in turn comes from the surname of Samuel Derrick, a long-time agent of King Henry II known for maritime and lifting technologies. The term entered English in the early 18th century as a generic name for a type of crane used on ships and in industrial settings. The original derrick was a simple framework with a hoist and a rope or chain, later evolving into more sophisticated pivoting arms and gantries. The word entered broader technical use in the 19th century with the expansion of offshore drilling, mining, and construction, where derricks became a standard term for tall, pivoting or fixed crane structures. In modern industry, the term can refer to any hoisting framework, though its historical association remains with maritime and offshore contexts. First known use citations date to the early 1700s in English documentation describing shipboard lifting gear, with notable usage appearing in shipyard manuals and construction texts by the mid-1800s.
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Help others use "derrick" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "derrick" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "derrick" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "derrick"
-ick sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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