lilac

noun

li·​lac ˈlī-ˌläk How to pronounce lilac (audio) -ˌlak How to pronounce lilac (audio)
-lək
1
a
: 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

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.
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

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lilac was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lilac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilac. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

lilac

noun
li·​lac ˈlī-lək How to pronounce lilac (audio) -ˌlak How to pronounce lilac (audio)
-ˌläk
1
: any of a genus of shrubs and trees related to the olive
especially : a European shrub widely grown for its showy clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers
2
: a medium purple

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