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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

So too was the fashion, particularly the lustrous lilac slip dress worn by Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. —Danielle Directo-meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Dec. 2022

Amid the lilac shrubs, pungent with pollen, marks of the Rattlesnake Grow aren’t immediately obvious. —Jeff Wheelwright, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2017

The Disney100 line revolves around a lilac and silver color motif. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2023

The Catwoman star debuted the look on Instagram in November after going bright lilac with her curly locks over the summer. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 6 Jan. 2023

Pairing a lilac and yellow harlequin cardigan and coordinating miniskirt from Versace with Jeffrey Campbell boots, Ziwe masters the art of high-low styles. —Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2022

The lilac touches on this pair soften the effect of the otherwise chunky silhouette that nods to '80s and '90s-style basketball shoes. —Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 Dec. 2022

Styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, Ashley wore a glittering lilac gown and matching hood from 16Arlington's spring-summer 2023 collection, Lucite heels, and a Chopard collar. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2022

For one of her more formal looks, the Queen selected a lilac, embroidered gown with a matching purple sash and delicate tiara. —The Editors, Town & Country, 16 Nov. 2022

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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

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