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

“On my last trip, I took my kids up, and we walked down and rounded a corner and were just hit with walls of color. Light blue of California lilac and violet to blue of lupines with the gray sheer walls of the mountains in the background. Really strong honey scent everywhere.”

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

“On my last trip, I took my kids up, and we walked down and rounded a corner and were just hit with walls of color. Light blue of California lilac and violet to blue of lupines with the gray sheer walls of the mountains in the background. Really strong honey scent everywhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

She sang a string of shortened versions of requested songs including “Hold my Hand,” “LILAC,” and the song that propelled her to stardom in 2010: “Good Day.”

From Los Angeles Times