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

Inside, five poles rise toward the ceiling, surrounded by mirrors, while lilac curtains drape to the floor. — Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

Check for tours of her Tudor Revival home and the English-style garden filled with holly, lilac, and juniper bushes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

There are molten metallics in approachable shades (gold, silver, bronze) and artsier ones too (rainbow chrome, lilac, fuchsia). — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

At the 2026 Emmy Awards, Florence Pugh wore a pastel lilac gown from the label with off-the-shoulder design. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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