lilac

noun

li·​lac ˈlī-ˌläk  -ˌlak 

-lək

1

a

: a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers

b

: a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac

2

: a variable color averaging a moderate purple

Illustration of lilac

• lilac 1a

Examples of lilac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fresh and breezy aromas of florals that include lilacs, as well as menthol, gooseberries, lime and white pears. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

Some metro residents have lilacs in bloom, a rare phenomenon caused by stressful growing conditions like drought. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

But on a clear day after rain, the dooryards and the narrow streets are fragrant with summer lilacs; the overgrown grass by the river, where people of all backgrounds pause to rest, blows on the approach to a high, arcing bridge; and startling moments of bright, simple beauty emerge. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

Ellen’s most prominent evening dress is indigo with lilacs embroidered and beaded on the front and on the sleeves. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lilac

noun

li·​lac ˈlī-lək  -ˌlak 

-ˌläk

1

: any of a genus of shrubs and trees related to the olive

especially : a European shrub widely grown for its showy clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers

2

: a medium purple