lilac

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

Definition of lilac

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

The Duchess of Cambridge teamed with one of her favorite designers, Emilia Wickstead, for a sleek and sophisticated lilac look.

— josh duboff, vanityfair.com, "Kate Middleton Dazzles in Lavender as Germany Tour Nears Its End," 21 July 2017
Alternately, use another small, purple- or lilac-colored type.

— anya tchoupakov, Bon Appetit, "22 Healthy Weeknight Recipes That Are Faster Than Waiting For Takeout," 14 July 2017
Dunham posted a series of selfies of her rocking a mermaid-esque light turquoise and lilac boob-length wig with gray tones.

— jihan forbes, Glamour, "Just Try to Look Away From Lena Dunham's Mermaid Hair," 29 June 2017
To make a lilac gin and tonic: Fill a highball glass with ice.

— maya wilson, Alaska Dispatch News, "Capture the sweet essence of lilacs with this delicate, amethyst-colored syrup," 23 June 2017
Sixty-five eager diners gathered at communal tables amid purple lilacs, dogwood branches and poppies.

— catherine m. allchin, The Seattle Times, "Lifelong friends get together to host a one-of-a-kind meal," 21 June 2017
In early summer, it is covered with a profusion of tubular flowers in shades of pale lilac and lavender.

— NOLA.com, "10 herbs that thrive in Louisiana heat and great recipes to use them," 17 June 2017
So while the Japanese tree lilacs, which smell so sweet, are about done, the climbing hydrangea is still going strong.

— kevin riordan, Philly.com, "A beloved South Jersey landscape designer is gone, but his legacy continues to bloom," 12 June 2017
Lilac | Brekeriet (Sweden) This sour ale from Sweden’s popular Brekeriet is brewed with lilac flowers freshly picked in Skane, in Southern Sweden.

— spike carter, Bloomberg.com, "Beer Brewed With Flowers? It’s Totally Crushable, Bro," 9 June 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1625

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LILAC Defined for English Language Learners

lilac

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noun

Definition of lilac for English Language Learners

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

LILAC Defined for Kids

lilac

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

Definition of lilac for Students

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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lilac

Definition of lilac

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lilac

Definition of lilac for English Language Learners

LILAC Defined for Kids

lilac

Definition of lilac for Students

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