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

Infiniti oozed glamour in a lilac sleeveless Louis Vuitton dress with a fitted bodice and a cascade of ruffles tumbling from her hip to the floor, creating a long train.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

A shattered lilac plate from my sister-in-law can be glued back together.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2025

During the February London Fashion Week pastel hues were all over the runway from lilac puffer jackets to baby pink padded coats, and it seems like the trend will continue.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2024

Unsurprisingly, the team found more green morphs in areas rich in California lilac, and more stripey morphs where chamise was abundant.

From Science Magazine • May 23, 2024

There was an old quiet smell about the room, as though the air in it was little changed, for all the sweet lilac scent and the roses brought to it throughout the early summer.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

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