ylang-ylang

or i·lang-i·lang

[ ee-lahng-ee-lahng ]

noun

1. an aromatic tree, Cananga odorata, of the annona family, native to the Philippines, Java, etc., having fragrant, drooping flowers that yield a volatile oil used in perfumery.
2. the oil or perfume.

ylang-ylang

/ ˌiːlæŋˈiːlæŋ /

noun

1. an aromatic Asian tree, Cananga odorata (or Canangium odoratum ), with fragrant greenish-yellow flowers yielding a volatile oil: family Annonaceae
2. the oil obtained from this tree, used in perfumery

Word History and Origins

Origin of ylang-ylang¹

First recorded in 1875–80, ylang-ylang is from the Tagalog word ilang-ilang

Word History and Origins

Origin of ylang-ylang¹

C19: from Tagalog ilang-ilang

Example Sentences

At certain times, the Mounts’ pale yellow ylang-ylang, a flowering tree from the Philippines, spritzes the air with a powerful scent that has made Chanel No. 5 a favorite of generations of women.

From New York Times

Simply named “Whitney,” the scent features notes of pear and citrus, balanced by gardenia, ylang-ylang and jasmine.

From Seattle Times

It also carries aloe water, Nigerian hibiscus flower, rose oil and ylang-ylang oil to help hydrate the skin.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1993, a perfume by Bijan was named DNA and included geranium, rosemary, ylang-ylang, mint and bergamot as its top notes.

From Salon

I stammered nervously as I introduced him to Mother, who was blending bergamot and ylang-ylang, clicking her fingers to test the proportions.

From Literature