noun Uncommon

libel

LEYE-buhl

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Libel (noun) means a false published statement — written, printed, or pictured — that damages someone's reputation. Example: “The tabloid printed a libel about the actor and got sued for it.”

noun

A false published statement — written, printed, or pictured — that damages someone's reputation.

"The tabloid printed a libel about the actor and got sued for it."

"She won a libel case after the blog falsely accused her of fraud."

verb

To publish a false, damaging statement about someone.

"The newspaper libeled the mayor by printing unproven bribery claims."

How to use libel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWriting or publishing something false that hurts someone's reputation — the written version of defamation.

Common mistake

Libel is written/published defamation; slander is the spoken version. Don't mix the two up in legal contexts.

Easily confused with

slander → liable →

Common pairings

sue for libel a libel case libel someone

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: libels
Third person singular: libels
Past tense: libeled, libelled

Test yourself on “libel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tabloid printed a _____ about the actor and got sued for it.

Etymology

From Old French libelle, from Latin libellus, "little book" — originally just any short written document, long before it narrowed to mean a damaging false statement.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for libel

decibel

See all rhymes for libel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “libel” mean?

The word “libel” means a false published statement — written, printed, or pictured — that damages someone's reputation. In plain terms, writing or publishing something false that hurts someone's reputation — the written version of defamation.

How do you pronounce “libel”?

“Libel” is pronounced LEYE-buhl (/ˈlaɪbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “libel” in a sentence?

Here is “libel” used in a sentence: “The tabloid printed a libel about the actor and got sued for it.”

What part of speech is “libel”?

Depending on how it is used, “libel” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “libel” come from?

The word “libel” comes from Latin. From Old French libelle, from Latin libellus, "little book" — originally just any short written document, long before it narrowed to mean a damaging false statement.

Is “libel” a common word?

“Libel” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “libel” have?

“Libel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a false published statement — written, printed, or pictured — that damages someone's reputation.