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

"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.

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Once cooled, they went into crinkly cellophane bags from Party Central, each one tied with a bit of lilac curling ribbon.

From Salon

Mace said she’d build a concrete house and the yard would have oak, sycamore, toyon, lemonade berry and lilac.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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