ilang-ilang

1 of 2

noun (1)

less common spelling of ylang-ylang

1
: a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers
2
: a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree
variants or less commonly ilang-ilang
1
: a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers
2
: a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree

Examples of ilang-ilang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Drawing on their legacy, Laura Ashley has recently launched a perfume range, including Serene Meadows, a fresh, green fragrance with notes of ylang-ylang and neroli, evocative of the British countryside. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Soursop is part of the Annonaceae (custard apple) family, which includes tropical plants like cherimoya, sugar apple, and ylang-ylang, a flower used to make essential oil. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026 High-quality craftsmanship—like the common space’s dark-wood pillars, reclaimed from Rajasthan’s crumbling havelis—is paired with standout accessories within each suite (think Häfele kettles and organic toiletries smelling of neroli and ylang-ylang). Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 Freedom Musk Bouquet | 27 is the floral one with ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, and vanilla musk. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ilang-ilang

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Tagalog

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ilang-ilang was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Ilang-ilang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ilang-ilang. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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