sibyl

¹

[ sib-uhl ]

noun

1. any of certain women of antiquity reputed to possess powers of prophecy or divination.
2. a female prophet or witch.

Sibyl

²

or Sib·ylle

[ sib-uhl ]

noun

1. a female given name.

sibyl

/ ˈsɪbɪl; ˈsɪbɪˌlaɪn; sɪˈbɪlaɪn; sɪˈbɪlɪk /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece and Rome) any of a number of women believed to be oracles or prophetesses, one of the most famous being the sibyl of Cumae, who guided Aeneas through the underworld
2. a witch, fortune-teller, or sorceress

Derived Forms

• sibylline, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibyl¹

1250–1300; < Greek Síbylla Sibylla; replacing Middle English Sibil < Medieval Latin Sibilla < Greek, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibyl¹

C13: ultimately from Greek Sibulla, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Erythræ was the native place of the Sibyl, an ancient inspired prophetess.

From Project Gutenberg

The den of the sibyl was much darker than the antechamber; the color of the walls could scarcely be distinguished.

From Project Gutenberg

I should mention, however, that it was quite impossible Sibyl could know me.

From Project Gutenberg

As a test of Sibyl's clairvoyance, this was not very satisfactory.

From Project Gutenberg

My first modest person was a Spirit Photographer; my second was a Sibyl.

From Project Gutenberg