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

Examples of lilac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The night’s decor, according to a statement from The White House, included cherry blossoms in the White House’s grand foyer as well as tablescapes of seasonal blooms of lilac, butterfly ranunculus, phlox, and lily of the valley. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

Inside, trees and greenery evoked English gardens while the tables were decorated with spring blooms of lilac, butterfly ranunculus, phlox, and lily of the valley. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

Bouquets of lilac, butterfly ranunculus, phlox and lily of the valley filled the center of the table like a garden. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

There will also be hints of English lilac in the decor to honor the guest nation. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for lilac

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

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