Fabian

[ fey-bee-uhn ]

/ ˈfeɪ bi ən /

Save This Word!

adjective

seeking victory by delay and harassment rather than by a decisive battle as in the manner of Fabius Maximus: Fabian policy.

of or relating to the Fabian Society.

noun

a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Fabian

First recorded in 1590–1600, Fabian is from the Latin word Fabiānus

Words nearby Fabian

F.A.A.A.S., fab, fabaceous, fabada, Fabergé, Fabian, Fabianism, Fabian Society, Fabian tactics, Fabius Maximus, fable

Other definitions for Fabian (2 of 2)

Fabian²

[ fey-bee-uhn ]

/ ˈfeɪ bi ən /

noun

Saint, died a.d. 250, pope 236–250.

a male given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Fabian in a sentence

So, I contacted Fabian to learn more about his operation and share my concerns.
How I Am Using Psychology to Persuade Russians of the Truth About Ukraine|Julia Minson|April 20, 2022|Time
Fabian estimates that around 50 million messages have been sent by his army of 500,000 volunteers.
How I Am Using Psychology to Persuade Russians of the Truth About Ukraine|Julia Minson|April 20, 2022|Time
“Even when the person had nothing to gain personally, nothing to gain but hiding information on behalf of their government that can be enough to cause them a life-changing series of events,” said Fabian.
Audit Finds Sweetwater Officials Deliberately Manipulated Finances|Will Huntsberry|June 23, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Where Richter took moments in the news and gave them a genteel blur, Fabian Marcaccio goes for gross-out goop instead.
A Deity, Doubted|Blake Gopnik|June 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Repeated calls and emails to try to reach Ava Fabian directly for comment were unsuccessful.
Michaele and Neal Speak Out!|Diane Dimond|September 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
In a press conference on the courthouse steps, Fabian Nunez proclaimed his son's innocence by reason of self-defense.
Arnold Pardoned My Son’s Attacker|Bruce Henderson|May 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Esteban Nunez's father is Fabian Nunez, 45, the longest-serving speaker of the State Assembly in California's era of term limits.
Arnold Pardoned My Son’s Attacker|Bruce Henderson|May 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
His father, Fabian Nunez, is eyeing a run for California state treasurer.
Arnold Pardoned My Son’s Attacker|Bruce Henderson|May 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Had he been slain, or was he waiting in chains to grace the Fabian triumph?
The Lion's Brood|Duffield Osborne
The plan was a good one, but Kaba Rega, by having recourse to his old Fabian tactics, again baffled it.
The Life of Gordon, Volume I|Demetrius Charles Boulger
By a Fabian policy of watching, waiting, warding, and assaulting at the right moment.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXLII. Vol. LV. April, 1844|Various
The Marxians will eventually win, but by Fabian methods, and Socialism will come under another name.
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 12|Elbert Hubbard
Mr. Fabian nodded understandingly, but watched the Count closely.
Polly and Her Friends Abroad|Lillian Elizabeth Roy

British Dictionary definitions for Fabian

Fabian

/ (ˈfeɪbɪən) /

adjective

of, relating to, or resembling the delaying tactics of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus; cautious; circumspect

noun

a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society

Word Origin for Fabian

C19: from Latin Fabiānus of Fabius

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012