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 Sisters wear black floor-length habits and veils that smell of lilacs and ammonia cleaner. —Literary Hub, 16 Feb. 2026

The boots retail for $120 and come in bright yellow, lilac, black and olive green. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026

The vivid hues of wildflowers like mariposa lilies, desert five-spot, and lilac sunbonnets transform Death Valley starting in mid-February, although blooms can last well into the summer months in the park’s higher, cooler elevations. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

The couple's post-twins red carpet debut was nothing short of spectacular, with George in his traditional Giorgio Armani tux and Amal in corseted lilac Versace, Aquazzura heels and Lorraine Schwartz earrings. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 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