noun
lilac
LEYE-luhk
Lilac (noun) means a shrub (genus Syringa) that produces clusters of fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers. Example: “The lilac by the fence blooms every May.”
noun
1
A shrub (genus Syringa) that produces clusters of fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers.
"The lilac by the fence blooms every May."
2
A pale purple color, named after the flower.
"She painted the nursery a soft lilac."
adj
1
Of a pale purple color.
"She wore a lilac dress to the wedding."
How to use lilac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the flowering shrub or the pale purple color named after it.
Common pairings
lilac bush
pale lilac
lilac blossom
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Word forms
- Plural
- lilacs
- Comparative
- more lilac
- Superlative
- most lilac
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ by the fence blooms every May.
Etymology
Via French from Arabic līlak, ultimately traced back through Persian to a Sanskrit word for "dark blue."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “lilac” mean?
The word “lilac” means a shrub (genus Syringa) that produces clusters of fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers. In plain terms, either the flowering shrub or the pale purple color named after it.
How do you pronounce “lilac”?
“Lilac” is pronounced LEYE-luhk (/ˈlaɪlək/ in IPA).
How do you use “lilac” in a sentence?
Here is “lilac” used in a sentence: “The lilac by the fence blooms every May.”
What part of speech is “lilac”?
Depending on how it is used, “lilac” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “lilac” come from?
The word “lilac” comes from French. Via French from Arabic līlak, ultimately traced back through Persian to a Sanskrit word for "dark blue.".
How many meanings does “lilac” have?
“Lilac” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shrub (genus Syringa) that produces clusters of fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers.
