Illustration of lilac
- lilac 1a
lilac
noun
li·lac ˈlī-ˌläk 
-ˌlak,
-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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Many attending Amerie’s funeral dressed in shades of lilac and lavender. 
New York Times, 31 May 2022 Sticking with a purple theme, the star complemented her leotard with a lilac tulle coat and her signature performance footwear: lace-up boots. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 26 Aug. 2022 Lopez wore a shimmering lilac floral lace dress, featuring an asymmetrical hem and dramatic puffy long sleeves. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Aug. 2022 From the lilac opening color story of structured suits and coats to the delicate floral appliqué tailoring that closed out the show. Essence, 2 June 2022 The singer paired a sheer lilac lace dress with silver platform heels and stud earrings. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 15 Aug. 2022 But other bolder options like lilac purple, emerald green, rust, and mustard yellow are eye-catching to wear around. Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2022 For a subtle amount of color, choose a lilac bra and brief from Boy Smells or a lime green set from Skin. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 21 July 2022 On May 19, 2003, The Manhattan Mercury ran a front-page article about Ms. Britt Cool — dressed in a lilac shirt with eye shadow to match, holding a bunch of asparagus. New York Times, 16 July 2022 See More
New York Times, 31 May 2022 Sticking with a purple theme, the star complemented her leotard with a lilac tulle coat and her signature performance footwear: lace-up boots. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 26 Aug. 2022 Lopez wore a shimmering lilac floral lace dress, featuring an asymmetrical hem and dramatic puffy long sleeves. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Aug. 2022 From the lilac opening color story of structured suits and coats to the delicate floral appliqué tailoring that closed out the show. Essence, 2 June 2022 The singer paired a sheer lilac lace dress with silver platform heels and stud earrings. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 15 Aug. 2022 But other bolder options like lilac purple, emerald green, rust, and mustard yellow are eye-catching to wear around. Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2022 For a subtle amount of color, choose a lilac bra and brief from Boy Smells or a lime green set from Skin. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 21 July 2022 On May 19, 2003, The Manhattan Mercury ran a front-page article about Ms. Britt Cool — dressed in a lilac shirt with eye shadow to match, holding a bunch of asparagus. New York Times, 16 July 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
lilac
noun
li·lac ˈlī-ˌläk
-ˌlak,
-lək
1
: a bush having clusters of fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers
2
: a medium purple