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.
Doolittle wants to see more people wearing the color lilac this summer. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 The cooler is available in nightfall blue, primrose, lilac, and graphite, and in 18-can and 24-can sizes. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Thomas Jefferson grew lilacs, and Walt Whitman wrote about them in his poetry. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 Boultier expresses similar views and suggests steering clear of muddy pastels like dusty lilac or pale mint green. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 7 June 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

Rhymes for lilac

See All Rhymes for lilac

Browse Nearby Words

likuta
lilac
lilac daphne
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lilac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilac. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on lilac

Nglish: Translation of lilac for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lilac

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