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

Androgynous trouser suits followed as did plenty of faux fur coats in lilac, blue, fuchsia and yellow.

From Reuters

The four of us spent five days enjoying salty, lilac perfumed air, orange-pink sunsets, and delicious foraged watercress and sea bass ceviche.

From Salon

As well as the Red Admiral in Princess Charlotte's hands, the duke and duchess shared images of Peacock butterflies perched on lilac, spotted during their butterfly count.

From BBC

According to a study in Maryland of the 1970 Brood X appearance, delayed branch dieback occurred over the following two years in such trees as black gum, purple-leaf plum, photinia, lilac and dogwood.

From Washington Post

Even the lilac dress that Dr. Biden wore to deplane in Honolulu during the last leg of the trip had been seen before.

From New York Times

Related Words

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