First recorded in 1625–35; Latin Hiberni(a) “Ireland” + -an
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They are known as Hibs fans—and they support Hibernian, the Scottish capital’s other major team.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
Although Hibernian and Dundee United failed to progress out of the qualifying rounds, three teams remain - but Scotland's points are still divided by five.
From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026
They couldn't manage the same feat against Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby just after Christmas, but they were a Raphael Sallinger super save away from a point.
From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026
Hearts' bid for a first Scottish Premiership title since 1960 suffered a major setback despite a late rally in a 3-2 defeat to Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Saturday.
From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025
But, misery or no misery, folks must eat and drink, and the Hibernian nature--as quick to resent as to forgive, as vehement as indiscreet--is given to extremes, from sadness to mirth and back again.
From My Lords of Strogue, Vol. I (of III) A Chronicle of Ireland, from the Convention to the Union by Wingfield, Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
