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

Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning wore a lilac Gucci gown that was covered head-to-toe in floral embellishments inspired by the national flower of Norway. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Many spring-flowering shrubs, including lilacs, bigleaf hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lilacs, bloom on what is referred to as old wood—flower buds that were formed during the previous summer or fall. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026

Heathery lilacs and powerful violet shades like C2 Paint’s Portuguese Dawn C2-780 and Bella Donna C2-782 fall into this same lively category. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Coming in at under $60, the sheet set is available in more than 20 colors, including charcoal, dusty rose, silver, navy, white, and lilac. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 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