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

Soursop is part of the Annonaceae (custard apple) family, which includes tropical plants like cherimoya, sugar apple, and ylang-ylang, a flower used to make essential oil. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

High-quality craftsmanship—like the common space’s dark-wood pillars, reclaimed from Rajasthan’s crumbling havelis—is paired with standout accessories within each suite (think Häfele kettles and organic toiletries smelling of neroli and ylang-ylang). —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Lavender, mimosa, and ylang-ylang give it a delicate finish, but the sandalwood and orris drydown gives it depth and lasting power. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Jan. 2026

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