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 Oscar-winning actress wore a strapless lilac gown with a short train, featuring allover delicate lace detailing. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

In fact, one dress was covered entirely in feathers in shades of lilac, lavender and periwinkle. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Vibrant wildflowers dotted the landscape, hues of violet, lilac and indigo dominating the view. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025

Kardashian, 44, wore a head-turning lilac-gray gown designed with a high neckline, floor-grazing cape sleeves and a body-hugging silhouette that cinched her waist. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

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