Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female prophet or fortune-teller: A woman in ancient times who was believed to utter the prophecies of a god, often in a state of ecstatic frenzy.
   • A woman who predicts the future: Any woman who claims to, or is believed to, foretell future events.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient Greeks consulted the sibyl at Delphi for guidance.
  • In the story, the old sibyl warned the king of impending doom.
  • She was regarded as the village sibyl, known for her uncanny predictions.

Advanced Usage

• "Sibylline" (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a sibyl; mysterious, cryptic, or prophetic.
  • The manuscript contained sibylline verses that were difficult to interpret.
• Cultural/Historical Reference: The term is often capitalized ("the Sibyl") when referring to specific prophetic women from classical antiquity, such as the Cumaean Sibyl.

Variants and Related Words

• Sibyllic (adj): Another adjective form meaning of or like a sibyl.
• Sibyllist (n): A student or collector of sibylline prophecies (rare).
• Sybil: A common alternate spelling of the word.

Synonyms

• Prophetess: A female prophet.
• Oracle: A person (often a priest or priestess) through whom a deity is believed to speak; a place where such prophecies are given.
• Seer: A person who is supposed to be able, through supernatural insight, to see what the future holds.
• Fortune-teller: A person who tells people's fortunes, typically by palmistry, using a crystal ball, etc.

Idioms and Phrases

• Sibylline books: Refers to a collection of prophetic utterances, especially those purchased by the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, from the Cumaean Sibyl.
  • The fate of Rome was said to be foretold in the Sibylline Books.
• Sibylline leaves: Fragments of prophetic writings; often used metaphorically for any mysterious or fragmentary texts of prophetic nature.
  • The discovered scrolls were like sibylline leaves, offering glimpses of a forgotten future.

Noun

1. (ancient Rome) a woman who was regarded as an oracle or prophet
2. a woman who tells fortunes