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Fabian

1 American  
[fey-bee-uhn] / ˈfeɪ bi ən /

adjective

  1. seeking victory by delay and harassment rather than by a decisive battle as in the manner of Fabius Maximus.

    Fabian policy.

  2. of or relating to the Fabian Society.


noun

  1. a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society.

Fabian 2 American  
[fey-bee-uhn] / ˈfeɪ bi ən /

noun

  1. Saint, died a.d. 250, pope 236–250.

  2. a male given name.


Fabian British  
/ ˈfeɪbɪən /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or resembling the delaying tactics of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus; cautious; circumspect

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Fabian

First recorded in 1590–1600, Fabian is from the Latin word Fabiānus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some of the employees still work there, including Jorge Cuervo, the production supervisor, and Fabian Diaz, who mans the forklift.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Fabian Hurzeler complained to fourth official David Webb and the Brighton boss ended up exchanging words with Mikel Arteta on the touchline.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Former Assembly speaker Fabian Núñez, a longtime friend of Villaraigosa and managing partner at Actum, hopes voters dig into Villaraigosa’s record.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

The 40-year-old started for the Seagulls as they secured a first win in seven games to ease the pressure on boss Fabian Hurzeler.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Mr. Fabian notices that I am the odd one out.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari