lilac

noun

li·​lac ˈlī-ˌläk How to pronounce lilac (audio) -ˌlak How to pronounce lilac (audio)
-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

Illustration of lilac
  • lilac 1a

Examples of lilac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Later spring blooming species such as some viburnums and early lilacs (Syringa species and hybrids) also tend to force fairly well. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 9 Feb. 2024 First the color palette: subtle peaches, vibrant lilacs, blood oranges; sheer and layered on top of one another, hugging the body and creating its own ridges and frontiers. Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2023 Located in Daley Ranch, a preserve spanning over 3,000 acres with more than 25 miles of trails, the 4-mile Boulder Loop Trail follows a wide dirt path surrounded by coast live oak trees, sage and California lilacs, plus offers views of a quaint pond. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023 Its six acres, which are formally designed, include tulips, lilacs, crabapple trees, summer perennials, and chrysanthemums. Rose Marie Walano, Town & Country, 8 Aug. 2023 The glass comes in two colors, a subtle lilac and a rose pink, to choose between. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2024 Raid your garden for fresh daffodils, tulips, or lilacs. Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2023 For a street tree, a Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) or black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) would be appropriate. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023 On the commercial end, designer ice companies like Disco Cubes in Los Angeles offer limited-edition spheres encasing marigolds or lilacs, magnified and ultravivid as if in eternal bloom, calling to mind Victorian glass paperweights. Ligaya Mishan Esther Choi, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lilac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lilac was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near lilac

Cite this Entry

“Lilac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilac. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lilac

noun
li·​lac ˈlī-lək How to pronounce lilac (audio) -ˌlak How to pronounce lilac (audio)
-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

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