: 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
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Flowers like tree blossoms (lilac, apple, crab apple, pear), violas, marigolds, dahlias and nasturtiums typically bloom first, followed by perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives.—Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 To make a French manicure super interesting, reach for a summery shade like lilac and top it with a chrome powder.—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 23 May 2026 Princess Lilibet, dressed in an all-red outfit and matching scrunchie, sat on the floor facing her mother while Meghan, donning a lilac overcoat, took a selfie of the mother-daughter pair in the mirror.—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Accents of lilacs and some speckled greens were featured behind the appliqué too, emphasizing the whimsy of Klum’s attire.—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 May 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