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

The vivid hues of wildflowers like mariposa lilies, desert five-spot, and lilac sunbonnets transform Death Valley starting in mid-February, although blooms can last well into the summer months in the park’s higher, cooler elevations. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

The couple's post-twins red carpet debut was nothing short of spectacular, with George in his traditional Giorgio Armani tux and Amal in corseted lilac Versace, Aquazzura heels and Lorraine Schwartz earrings. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026

Inspired by luxury fine fragrances, the scent notes include peach, apple, cherry, lily, lilac, jasmine, and musk. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026

There are also juniper cultivars, such as Iowa, that are resistant to juniper tip blight, as well as lilacs such as Charles Joly and Old Glory that have good resistance to powdery mildew. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

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