Libyan

noun

Lib·​y·​an ˈli-bē-ən How to pronounce Libyan (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of Libya
2
: a language of ancient North Africa probably ancestral to Berber dialects
Libyan adjective

Examples of Libyan 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.
Current efforts to try to drive a wedge between Moscow and Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar, who controls the parts of Libya that house Russian military assets, will not suffice. — Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025 Today, the Giza pyramids wear the tawny tones of their surrounding Libyan Desert. — Rebecca James, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Libyan was in the 15th century

Rhymes for Libyan

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Browse Nearby Words

Libya
Libyan
Libyan alphabet
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Cite this Entry

“Libyan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Libyan. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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