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

Accents of lilacs and some speckled greens were featured behind the appliqué too, emphasizing the whimsy of Klum’s attire. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

If love is just blossoming, give lilacs, especially white ones, which symbolize the innocence of new love. —Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026

For me, the hardest part now is deciding whether to pick up these sneakers in a fun, colorful shade like lilac or rose, or practical white that will go with everything. —Natalie Labarbera, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Spring means beautiful flowers, fragrant lilacs – and lots of tree pollen coating cars and setting off sneezing, wheezing and headaches. —Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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