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

/ ˈsɪbɪˌlaɪn; sɪˈbɪlaɪn; ˈsɪbɪl; 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

Sherman has been the sibyl of such proliferating confusions, toying with representation’s integrity and the boundaries of identity for more than four decades.

From New York Times

They co-wrote “Sibyl” and, before that, Harari gave Triet notes on her 2013 feature debut, “Age of Panic,” in which he starred.

From Los Angeles Times

Triet, whose 2019 film “Sibyl” co-starred Hüller, had written it with her in mind.

From Seattle Times

The set by Sibyl Wickersheimer is full of sunshiny touches suggesting the work of a child creating a magical space to ward off domestic sadness.

From Los Angeles Times

There are, however, a few matters that can be settled beyond a reasonable doubt: Sandra Hüller, who plays the widow on trial, is one of the foremost actors of her generation, and Triet, who previously directed Hüller in their enjoyable 2019 meta-comedy, “Sibyl,” has taken a major leap forward.

From Los Angeles Times