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

For floral joy throughout the year, set reminders now to take some time in the coming months to literally stop and smell the roses ... or lilacs. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

California lilacs, that start coloring (and perfuming) our wild hills and many native habitat gardens as early as March. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

Decorated in a palette of dusty blues and lilacs, the room features oversized chinoiserie jars, a canopied bed, charming miniatures on the wall and antique furniture. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The warm brown pairs with pinks and lilacs, giving your palette a surprising and sophisticated twist. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 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