variants or less commonly ilang-ilang
1
: a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers
2
: a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree

Examples of ylang-ylang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The limited edition elixir features notes of vanilla with watery and fruity accords, amber, apple, and ylang-ylang. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 17 June 2026 Drawing on their legacy, Laura Ashley has recently launched a perfume range, including Serene Meadows, a fresh, green fragrance with notes of ylang-ylang and neroli, evocative of the British countryside. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Soursop is part of the Annonaceae (custard apple) family, which includes tropical plants like cherimoya, sugar apple, and ylang-ylang, a flower used to make essential oil. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026 High-quality craftsmanship—like the common space’s dark-wood pillars, reclaimed from Rajasthan’s crumbling havelis—is paired with standout accessories within each suite (think Häfele kettles and organic toiletries smelling of neroli and ylang-ylang). Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ylang-ylang

Word History

Etymology

Tagalog

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ylang-ylang was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Ylang-ylang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ylang-ylang. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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