Libyan

American  

[lib-ee-uhn] / ˈlɪb i ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Libya or its inhabitants.

---

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Libya.

2. a Berber language of ancient Libya.

ˈLibyan British  

/ ˈlɪbɪən /

adjective

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

---

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

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

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

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

According to Italy's Civil Protection Department, the carrier is located in international waters, but within the Libyan search and rescue zone.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Ukraine's SBU state security service has not commented on the allegation and the Libyan port authority said the cause of the fire was unknown.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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