: 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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Bright colors include hot coral, quieter ones (for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro only) are thyme green and fresh lilac.—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Vibrant wildflowers dotted the landscape, hues of violet, lilac and indigo dominating the view.—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Kardashian, 44, wore a head-turning lilac-gray gown designed with a high neckline, floor-grazing cape sleeves and a body-hugging silhouette that cinched her waist.—Michelle Lee, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Her Mothership palettes, like the Petalmorphosis collection, transform eyes into works of art with rich greens, lilacs, and radiant neutrals in luxe finishes.—Essence, 21 Aug. 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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