Libya
geographical name
Lib·ya
ˈli-bē-ə 
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
Cite this Entry
“Libya.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Libya. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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