derrick

UK: /ˈdɛrɪk/ US: /ˈdɛrɪk/ ,(der′ik)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

der•rick /ˈdɛrɪk/   n. [countable]

1. Mechanical Engineering, Nautical a crane for lifting cargo, such as on a ship.
2. Energy a framework like a tower over an oil well.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

der•rick  (der′ik), n. 

1. Mechanical Engineering [Mach.] a jib crane having a boom hinged near the base of the mast so as to rotate about the mast, for moving a load toward or away from the mast by raising or lowering the boom.
2. Energy Also called oil derrick. the towerlike framework over an oil well or the like.
3. Nautical, Naval Terms a boom for lifting cargo, pivoted at its inner end to a ship's mast or kingpost, and raised and supported at its outer end by topping lifts.

v.t., v.i. 

4. Mechanical Engineering [Mach.] luff.

• origin, originally a hangman, the gallows, after the surname of a well-known Tyburn hangman, ca. 1600

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

derrick / ˈdɛrɪk/ noun

1. a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom
2. the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered

verb

1. to raise or lower the jib of (a crane)

Etymology: 17th Century (in the sense: gallows): from Derrick, name of a celebrated hangman at Tyburn