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

Gen. John Brennan oversaw joint military exercises between rival Libyan factions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

A Libyan captain on a nearby ship was calling to ask if he understood the new rules governing a waterway that transports around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 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

"It will be towed safely to one of the Libyan ports following coordination with the relevant authorities."

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 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