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 calledsyringa 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. See goat's-rue
   French lilac
   French lilac 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

In 2015, researchers found that British English speakers are using lilac and turquoise as basic colors.

From Science News For Students

The smells of spruce and lilac from overhanging branches soak my nostrils.

From Outside Online

Like the “misty dream” and the falling lilac petals she sings of, IU’s timbre echoes the transient quality of memories.

From Time

Sky and soft sunlight tint the snow blue, pink, lilac, peach.

From The Daily Beast

As the sky turned lilac, we sat at a low circular table and looked out over the palm groves of Skoura.

From The Daily Beast

We reached our last camp as lighting pulsed through lilac-dark clouds over the Kenyan hills.

From The Daily Beast

Trim trousers in nubby shades of lilac were paired with jackets in iridescent hues of melon.

From The Daily Beast

One of these collaborations includes a lilac hourglass-shaped Tadashi gown in which Spencer collected her very first Golden Globe.

From The Daily Beast

He muttered something about his gray hairs, but came along after an amused glance at Lilac and Konnel.

From Project Gutenberg

Even Konnel had a small pile before him, although he seemed to be losing some of Lilac's attention to Meadows.

From Project Gutenberg

"And less of the 'lady' business outa you," said Lilac, but low enough to keep it private.

From Project Gutenberg

She had lived twenty-five years up-stairs and down-stairs in that white house with the lilac shrubbery and low iron fence.

From Project Gutenberg

Right near the bay window, in the thick lilac tree, Marmaduke spied Red Robin's nest.

From Project Gutenberg