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. 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

I pass through fragrant California sagebrush and wild fennel in one spot, a blend of sweet pea, lilac and kicked-up dirt in another.

From Los Angeles Times

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

But at the same time, lilacs are blooming and birds are flapping around in the trees.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Science Magazine

And then when she's all dolled up or she thinks that things are going good, you see these pinks and the lilac and the greens more when she's happy.

From Salon