Libya

geographical name

Lib·ya | \ ˈli-bē-ə

Definition of Libya

1 the part of Africa north of the Sahara between Egypt and Syrtis Major (the Gulf of Sidra) —an ancient name

2 northern Africa west of Egypt —an ancient name

3 country in northern Africa bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, but largely desert; a colony of Italy 1912–43, an independent kingdom 1951–69, a republic since 1969; capital Tripoli area 679,362 square miles (1,759,540 square kilometers), population 6,755,000 — see also libyan