: a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers
b
: a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
2
: a variable color averaging a moderate purple
Illustration of lilac
lilac 1a
Examples of lilac in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chase Infiniti One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti is a pastel vision in her lilac gown, which is echoed on her eyelids with a shimmery, pale purple shade.—Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026 Mary Tyler Moore had a major princess moment at the 1981 Oscars in a ombré lilac one-shoulder ball gown.—Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026 Using trendy spring nail colors like misty blue, lilac, and bright orange is key to a pretty manicure that’s not only going to be the envy of your friends, but also give you a boost of serotonin, too.—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026 Varieties include 'Ardens' (double lilac-purple flowers), 'Blue Chiffon' (blue with a ruffled center), 'Blue Satin' (blue with a red center), and 'Blushing Bride' (double white).—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lilac
Word History
Etymology
obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue