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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the house is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic carryall with a re-issue so why not add a little glitz with a lilac beaded piece inspired by the Fall/Winter 1997-1998 collection to her closet? Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 15 Nov. 2022

Jenner wore head-to-toe lilac in a custom Versace see-through, mermaid-esque dress, fur stole and a perfectly purple wig. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022

On September 6, 2022, Kourtney Kardashian posted this lilac purple and bubblegum teaser for her new venture. Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 7 Sep. 2022

Ditto the dressing room upstairs, done in a shade of lilac. ELLE Decor, 19 Sep. 2022

This particular starter set comes with one refill of the brand's Aqua Waves scent, which contains an aromatic blend of florals like jasmine, lilac, hyacinth, iris, and osmanthus that are paired with crisp water and fruity mandarin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 13 Oct. 2022

Officials said the insects prefer to munch on grape, birch, black walnut, hops, lilac, maple, rose, willow, tree of heaven, and staghorn sumac. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Sep. 2022

Lilac trees like the Peking and Japanese tree lilac can reach heights of more than 30 feet tall. Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2022

But not this one from Gorilla Grip, which comes in fun opaque and translucent colors like royal blue, lilac, and mint green. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 12 Aug. 2022

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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

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