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

Boultier expresses similar views and suggests steering clear of muddy pastels like dusty lilac or pale mint green. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026

Cool tones are represented by airy blues, brilliant greens, light yellows, and lilac. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

Emerson accessorized with a lilac barrette, Nike sneakers, and sparkly rings and bracelets. —Elle Meier, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026

To protect your lilacs against hooved herbivores, install tall fencing or cages around your lilac bushes. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 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
• 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