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

In one photo, Collins' baby daughter could be seen wearing a matching lilac set and crawling on the ground. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Boultier expresses similar views and suggests steering clear of muddy pastels like dusty lilac or pale mint green. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

Her spring collection offered flowing plissé strapless or cape-like frocks in a variety of zingy colors, from lime green and lilac to fiery red and bubblegum pink. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

From summer to late fall, these white to pale lilac flowers with purple spots bloom surrounded by foliage that’s arranged like a feather. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 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