English is a secondary language of Lebanon, with 40% of the population saying in 2011 that they can speak it non-natively.

Most Lebanese people speak the Lebanese dialect of Levantine Arabic. English, however, is also used in Lebanon for a variety of functions, including oral and written communications, sometimes among speakers of Levantine. It is also used as a medium of instruction, especially in natural sciences and mathematics.

Many Lebanese words, such as CD, crispy, hot dog and film, have been borrowed from English, and some speakers code-switch between English, Levantine Arabic, and French in a single conversation.

During the French rule over Lebanon from 1918 to 1946, the French language spread significantly in Lebanon and the government often writes in French alongside Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

In addition, the use of English grew in Lebanon in the wake of American influence through oil and business interests in the Middle East. In 1972, 54% of Lebanese people said they speak French or English, including 75% of Beirut residents. Of Beirut's bilingual population, 48.5% spoke French and 26% spoke English.

Many of the Palestinians in Lebanon were also fluent in English.^{[needs context]}

In 2011, 40% of Lebanon's population said that they spoke English non-natively.

The use of English in daily life of Lebanese people reflects a desire for "modernity, coolness, and hip culture". It is also a reaction to the negativity associated with Arabic since the September 11 attacks. Many businesses advertise in English.