lilac

[lahy-luhk, -lahk, -lak]

noun

1. any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Syringa, of the olive family, as S. vulgaris, having large clusters of fragrant purple or white flowers: the state flower of New Hampshire.

2. pale reddish purple.

adjective

1. having the color lilac.

lilac

/ ˈlaɪlək /

noun

1. Also called: syringa. any of various Eurasian oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Syringa, esp S. vulgaris ( common lilac ) which has large sprays of purple or white fragrant flowers

2. another name for goat's-rue

3. 1. a light or moderate purple colour, sometimes with a bluish or reddish tinge

   2. ( as adjective )

      a lilac carpet

Word History and Origins

Origin of lilac¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from obsolete French, from Spanish, from Arabic līlak, from Persian līlak, assimilated variant of nīlak “bluish,” equivalent to nīl “blue, indigo” (from Sanskrit nīla ) + -ak a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of lilac¹

C17: via French from Spanish, from Arabic līlak, changed from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue

Example Sentences

“Around the fountain, in the flower beds, and near the lilac. Very good, my lady. That is just what you will see, come April.”

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Penelope inhaled deeply; the air smelled like lilacs, and there was a lovely low hum of bees and some very promising distant sounds of birdsong.

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The duo stared up in the sky as dozens of lilac balloons burst into the sky.

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"Back in 1998, we had this outfit with tartan trews, a pinky lilac shirt, and these tartan waistcoats, which we were so proud of," Kennedy remembers.

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Following “the Sydney Cherkov way,” she wears a lilac blouse that telegraphs meek, demure energy.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• color 
• lavender 
• mauve 
• periwinkle 
• plum 
• violet