ylang-ylang

noun

ˌē-ˌläŋ-ˈē-ˌläŋ 

variants or less commonly ilang-ilang

1

: a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers

2

: a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree

Examples of ylang-ylang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Freedom Musk Bouquet | 27 is the floral one with ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, and vanilla musk. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Dec. 2025

For instance, maca root extract and ylang-ylang oil lend a warm, romantic feel, while ginger, rosehip, and passionfruit oils smooth and nourish. —Jamie Ballard, Allure, 14 Nov. 2025

The floral aroma is enhanced by supporting notes of fresh cedar, orange blossom, and ylang-ylang. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025

The pawpaw is genetically related to tropical fruits around the world, such as the ylang-ylang of southeast Asia and the cherimoya of South America. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Tagalog

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ylang-ylang

• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang
• kiang