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

The house was a delicious little nest among orange-trees and ylang-ylang.

From Project Gutenberg

Essence of Ylang-ylang is distilled in Manila and other towns; it used to fetch formerly 1000 francs per kilogramme.

From Project Gutenberg

In the cool shade of the ylang-ylang tree a native barber is intent upon his customer.

From Project Gutenberg

I believe I have discovered the ylang-ylang tree, about which there has been so much mystery.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, her attempt at making perfume from the moso'oi flower (said to be the real ylang-ylang) was a distinct success.

From Project Gutenberg