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

Just a subway ride across the city, the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden ($22 at the gate) punches above its weight, showcasing roses, lilacs and other flowers, fruit trees and a water garden. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

While leaving Annabell’s, a private, members-only club, Swift rocked a lilac minidress with metallic floral appliqués by Delphine. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

The fabric is a soft, cotton-modal blend that comes in beautiful colors like coral pink and lilac. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Take your pick from seven hues, including neutrals like gray and navy and brighter pops of color like rose pink and lilac. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 22 July 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