SKIP TO CONTENT

sibylline

/ˈsɪbəˌlɑɪn/
IPA guide

The adjective sibylline means "having a secret meaning" or "foretelling the future," like a fortune teller whose crystal ball reveals a sibylline message about what will happen.

If you can predict the meaning of the word sibylline, you may come from a family of psychics — or you may have a background in Greek mythology. The word has origins in the Greek word Sibulla, meaning "prophetess." Back in the times of the Greeks and Romans, a sibyl was a female oracle who delivered cryptic prophecies foretelling the future, often inspired by the deities. The adjective sibylline describes such talents or the messages they reveal.

Definitions of sibylline
  1. adjective
    resembling or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy
    “a kind of sibylline book with ready and infallible answers to questions”
    prophetic, prophetical
    foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention
  2. adjective
    having a secret or hidden meaning
    “"thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements"- John Gunther”
    esoteric
    confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘sibylline'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family