Libyan

noun

Lib·​y·​an ˈli-bē-ən How to pronounce Libyan (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of Libya
2
: a language of ancient North Africa probably ancestral to Berber dialects
Libyan adjective

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Libyan was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Libyan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Libyan. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!