libelle

Libelle is a term used in different languages and contexts, with distinct meanings in biology, media, and linguistics. The spelling without diacritics is common in German and Dutch, and the term appears in English-language texts in related senses. While the senses are not connected etymologically, they share a common form in writing.

In German, Libelle is the common noun for a dragonfly, the flying insect of the order Odonata. It is widely used in everyday language as well as in nature guides and educational materials to refer to these insects, with the plural Libellen.

In Dutch, Libelle is the name of a well-known weekly women's magazine published in the Netherlands and Belgium. The publication focuses on lifestyle, culture, health, and current affairs and exists in both print and online formats, appealing to a broad readership.

In French usage, the word libellé (with the acute accent on the final e) means the exact wording or labeling of a statement, form, or title. In English contexts, the French term may be encountered in discussions of wording, labeling, or phrasing, especially within legal, administrative, or design documents, where the precise libellé is relevant.

Libelle also appears as a proper noun in various brand names, titles, or personal names across different languages. The term’s multiplicity of meanings means its interpretation depends on linguistic and cultural context.