lilac

noun li·lac \ ˈlī-ˌläk , -ˌlak , -lək \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

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

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Recent Examples of lilac from the Web

For its latest collection, the company is introducing two new glazes: Utah, a warm terra cotta hue, and Taro, an earthy lilac.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "East Fork, maker of modern ceramics, introduces irresistible color line," 18 Apr. 2018
Summer for me means metallic, peach, purple, and lilac.

— zoe ruffner, Vogue, "This Chic Knitwear Designer Is Living the Dream—And Dressing the Part," 9 Apr. 2018
The London candle is reminiscent of the Columbia Road flower market, with notes of tropical heliotrope, lilac, juniper, and sweet-smelling hyacinth with a hint of spice, which feels like an homage to the city’s diverse culture.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "You Can Buy These Exclusive Diptyque Candles for 4 Days Only," 6 Apr. 2018
There were ruffles and beautiful pinks, lilacs, yellows and blues hit the runway at the Macy's Derby Spring Fashion Show.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky Derby 2018 is here, and there's a lot to know by May 5. We break it down," 3 Apr. 2018
Westminster Abbey was lined with maple trees and other spring flowers from the Windsor Castle gardens, like rhododendrons, wisteria, and lilac.

— tess kornfeld, Glamour, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announced Their Wedding Florist, and She's Incredible," 1 Apr. 2018
Check out the park’s hundreds of lilac plants and participate in family activities such as memory games and making Mother’s Day cards.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Things to do in Greater Boston this spring," 30 Mar. 2018
Malachite is warm and woodsy, blending amber and frankincense, while (our personal favorite) Amethyst, marries the perfect balance of fresh blackberry and lilac.

— melanie rud chadwick, Allure, "Kendra Scott Is Launching a Gorgeous Gemstone-Inspired Candle Collection," 28 Mar. 2018
A few of Dyson’s other obsessions: Current favorite color combinations: Green and pink, brown and ochre, lilac with red, and different yellows.

— carmen rosy hall, Vogue, "You Could Spend a Lovely Afternoon Wandering This London Boutique," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lilac.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Origin and Etymology of lilac

obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1625

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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LILAC Defined for English Language Learners

lilac

noun

: a type of bush with purple or white flowers that bloom in the spring
: a light purple color

LILAC Defined for Kids

lilac

noun li·lac \ ˈlī-ˌläk , -ˌlak , -lək \

1 : a bush having clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers

2 : a medium purple

Learn More about lilac

Spanish Central: Translation of lilac Nglish: Translation of lilac for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lilac

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