lilac

American  

[lahy-luhk, -lahk, -lak] / ˈlaɪ lək, -lɑk, -læk /

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.

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adjective

1. having the color lilac.

lilac British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of lilac

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

Example Sentences

I hid my net behind a big lilac bush in Grandma’s front yard, walked around the house, and came in through the back door.

From Literature

Akira and Sue limped through a patch of California lilac and white firs, the fire hissing and growling somewhere behind them.

From Literature

I picked up a petticoat, breathing in the fresh smell of lilac.

From Literature

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

From Literature

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.

From Literature

Related Words

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