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

The seeds of some shrub species, like California lilac, are triggered to start growing by the heat of fire. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Neroli to ease nervousness, lilac to welcome new beginnings, rose and sandalwood to summon love. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026

Webster Green joins seven other shades within the brand’s Color Trends 2027 Palette—from Shakespeare Tan and Antique Copper, to the lilac of Wild Aster and the olive Durango—for a collection that feels thoroughly calm. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026

The actress wore a dress from the Lebanese designer’s resort 2027 collection, a pale lilac strapless dress with sheer chiffon fabric encrusted with a bevy of shimmering bugle beads. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for lilac

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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