: 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
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Her spring collection offered flowing plissé strapless or cape-like frocks in a variety of zingy colors, from lime green and lilac to fiery red and bubblegum pink.—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 The actor held her red and lilac bouquet in his free hand.—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 From summer to late fall, these white to pale lilac flowers with purple spots bloom surrounded by foliage that’s arranged like a feather.—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 The shade lineup spans 10 options, ranging from pale lilac to rosy pink to plummy burgundy, all inspired by NYC sunsets.—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lilac
Word History
Etymology
obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue
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