demolition derby

noun

1
: a contest in which skilled drivers ram old cars into one another until only one car remains running
2
: something that resembles a demolition derby in destructiveness

Examples of demolition derby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plus, the demolition derby is now starting the fair instead of ending it. — Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025 Owners who defy this edict will be tied down and forced to watch their machines being destroyed during a demolition derby that will be free for the public to watch. — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025 Washington caught the short pass, tucked the ball into his left hand, and then proceeded to play demolition derby with the Bengals. — CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025 There would be an ATV Expo, a circus menagerie and a demolition derby on the day of the All-Star Game. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for demolition derby

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demolition derby was in 1950

Rhymes for demolition derby

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Browse Nearby Words

demolition bomb
demolition derby
demolitionist
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Cite this Entry

“Demolition derby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demolition%20derby. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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