Libyan

American  

[lib-ee-uhn] / ˈlɪb i ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Libya or its inhabitants.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Libya.

2. a Berber language of ancient Libya.

libyan British  

/ ˈlɪbɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Libya, its people, or its language

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Libya

2. the extinct Hamitic language of ancient Libya

Other Word Forms

• anti-Libyan adjective
• pro-Libyan adjective
• trans-Libyan adjective

Etymology

Origin of Libyan

First recorded in 1535–45; Liby(a) + -an

Example Sentences

Haftar feared Moscow’s mercenaries could attempt a coup against his rebel faction, as they had tried in Russia itself, Libyan and European officials have previously said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Moscow later fumed that this had led to the fall of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

France's ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy at an appeals trial Tuesday said he was "innocent", rejecting charges he had sought Libyan financing for his 2007 election in exchange for helping improve Tripoli's image after deadly bombings.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Weapons from the former Yugoslavia helped drive the Libyan civil wars after 2011, later fueling rebellions in Mali and across the Sahel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Soon the room was piled with goatskin rugs from Lebanon, richly embroidered blankets from Arabia, Libyan tapestries, and swords from Toledo crossed over a coat of arms.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy