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

Using trendy spring nail colors like misty blue, lilac, and bright orange is key to a pretty manicure that’s not only going to be the envy of your friends, but also give you a boost of serotonin, too. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026

Varieties include 'Ardens' (double lilac-purple flowers), 'Blue Chiffon' (blue with a ruffled center), 'Blue Satin' (blue with a red center), and 'Blushing Bride' (double white). —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and viburnums that formed flower beds the previous year will not flower until next year. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Recently, there has been a return to old-school plants like lilac and camellia, and to perennials like delphinium, but in very intentional ways, Kelly says. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 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